Page 175 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 10 December 2008
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As has been said in this chamber only this morning, there is the technology and the intellect to meet this challenge. What we have not had to date is the will to make it happen. On behalf of the Canberra Liberals, we do have the will. We have the will to do more than take a broad approach with meaningless statements, but to put clear targets on the record.
This bill will set targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and require that we report on progress made. Setting targets will send a message that we take this issue seriously, and we commit ourselves to a solution seriously. Setting targets will encourage investment in our economy by encouraging the green economy and green collar jobs. Setting targets will achieve real change in our energy use in a way the Canberra Liberals believe to be the most effective to encourage all of us to do our parts in our homes and our lives, but that governments can and should lead the way by cleaning up our own act.
That is why we promoted green bins for all homes during the last election campaign. It is why we proposed insulation for householders who need it most. That is why we committed then, and commit now, to making this government work towards achievable and aspirational goals.
Our bill sets a new principal target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 60 per cent of 1990 levels by 2050. Clause 6(2) sets an interim target of 30 per cent reduction by the end of 2020. There are related targets in clause 7 aimed at assisting the ACT in meeting its principal targets. The targets are for 20 per cent of all electricity used in the ACT to be from renewable sources by 2014 and a 20 per cent reduction in the per capita use of electricity by 2020.
Another important inclusion is the requirement to report on progress. It is all too easy to pass a bill, hold a press conference and then retreat to our offices to congratulate ourselves on a job well done when the job is not done at all. It is part of effective management that progress reports are issued and acted upon. The bill requires the minister to report annually on the targets included in annual reports.
The reports must include information such as the level of greenhouse gas emissions, the level of renewable energy and the level of per capita energy use. The report must also include an analysis of current measures being used to address the targets and a review of emerging technologies that may change that progress. It is truly a future-focused and forward-thinking bill.
The minister must table an annual report in the ACT Legislative Assembly within three months at the end of the reporting period, conduct a review of the targets every two years and present the results to the ACT Legislative Assembly within three months.
As I stated at the outset, I do not need to be convinced of the need for action. I do seek the approval of the house for this important legislation to make us accountable to our electors now and our children in the future. I commend the bill to the house.
Debate (on motion by Mr Corbell) adjourned to the next sitting.
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