Page 124 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 9 December 2008
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We are all aware that Ted Quinlan quit the Assembly, and I think we all know why. The economic white paper is Ted’s legacy. One would think that an economic white paper from a government committed to sustainability and improving the economy of the ACT might actually talk about sustainability industries. For those that did not hear it earlier today, I will read again from page 6. It states:
With this in mind, there is a need to diversify the ACT economy to build a strong private sector. We need to do this to lessen the economic dependency we have on Commonwealth activity, and because a stronger and more diverse private sector represents the bridge to the new economy that will help the ACT create a more dynamic and attractive society.
I do not think any of us can deny that. Chapter 5 at page 56 of the economic white paper deals with capitalising on competitive advantages. Among the priority industries listed is environmental industries. They actually did have it. It is like a little fish. Ted had it. He caught it, he had it in his palm and he got it onto page 56 of the economic white paper, and then it just slipped away. As a matter of interest, the nine key industries are information and communication technology, space sciences, biotechnology, public administration, environmental industries, creative industries, sports science and administration, education and defence.
There are six paragraphs on environmental industries and one action. The government’s economic white paper, its blueprint for the future—according to the Chief Minister, sustainability is a key note—lists one action. What is that action? Action 26 states:
The Government will undertake an industry and capability mapping exercise for the environment sector. This will assist in better linking R&D to commercialisation partners.
Remember that this is December 2003; environmental industries is a key priority. One action is proposed—a mapping exercise. Some years later we asked some questions to find out how the government was going. On 21 September 2006 I asked a question on notice about action 26 in the economic white paper. I asked:
… has the industry and capability mapping project for the environment been undertaken; if so, what has been the result of this action; if not, why not.
I received a simple, one-line answer from Mr Stanhope. It states:
The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Industry and capability mapping for the environment sector has not yet been undertaken.
Three years later, on one lone initiative, there has been no action—no mapping, no commitment and no environmental or sustainability industries future for the ACT. As John Hargreaves so eloquently said, the government does not have the faintest idea what Dr Foskey is talking about when she says she wants the government to establish the ACT as a centre for sustainability. End of story.
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