Page 290 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 December 2008
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(viii) the adequacy of existing data collection and methodology for the purpose of establishing a baseline year of 1990 or 2000 and for future monitoring and reporting purposes; and
(ix) any other related matter; and resolves that the Committee shall report by 30 July 2009.
This motion seeks to establish an inquiry into a legislated greenhouse gas reduction target for the ACT. The motion notes the overwhelming scientific evidence that moving to a low-carbon future is one of the greatest challenges of the global and the local community. It further acknowledges the United Nations convention to reduce carbon emissions and the government’s goal of producing a 60 per cent reduction of greenhouse emissions by 2050. Finally, it seeks the views of the community as to how a legislated greenhouse gas reduction target can be delivered effectively and, if so, what programs should support it.
The establishment of the Assembly inquiry to hear the views of the community is in stark contrast to the approach adopted yesterday by the opposition. Yesterday, we saw the opposition introduce a bill proposing a legislated target, but without the benefit of hearing the views of interested community members or other stakeholders.
Climate change is one of the most critical issues facing us today. Climate change is setting the policy agenda internationally, nationally and here in the ACT, and we need to work at all levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Everyday decisions by individuals, governments and businesses are the building blocks as to how we reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions.
In accordance with the commitments entered into between the Australian Labor Party and the ACT Greens, I am pleased today to be proposing these terms of reference for inquiry and report. The government is committed to the responsible management of the ACT, considering not just today’s needs but also how our actions contribute to the long-term impact on our natural environment, quality of life and economic activity. A greenhouse reduction target is one means to help the transition to a low-pollution society. This inquiry will look at the benefits of a legislated greenhouse reduction target for the ACT, assisting the government to establish effective initiatives to lower the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently, the government has a target that provides for a 60 per cent reduction of 2000 emissions by 2050, and to limit 2025 emissions to 2000 levels. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a target has been established for industrialised countries to reduce carbon emissions by around 25 to 40 per cent of 1990 levels by 2020. The ACT Greens have outlined their view that a target of a 60 per cent reduction of year 1990 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is appropriate.
This inquiry represents an important step in moving towards an established and agreed legislated greenhouse gas reduction target. It will also consider the most appropriate baseline year for an ACT target of either 1990 or 2000. This should be informed by data availability and monitoring and reporting needs. The government will be considering the report from the Assembly committee in the second half of next year. The terms of reference for the new Assembly committee are comprehensive and
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