Page 294 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 December 2008
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naturally choose that. If it is convenient, if it is cost effective, they will choose it, as they do in bigger cities. We know that in larger cities more people choose public transport because of the relative conveniences. In Canberra, which is spread out, and having regard to the way it has been designed, we know there are specific challenges. I think that will be another key part of it.
I will not labour the point. I am very much looking forward to the committee inquiry. I will be contributing to that. The Liberal Party are committed to clear targets, to sustainable transport and to looking at ways particularly of making our homes more energy efficient. We can do that through the planning system; we can do that through all sorts of other levers. We need to encourage sustainable industries.
I am confident that the proposed terms of reference in this motion will give the committee sufficient scope to look at all of these issues and to look at sensible, targeted ways of reducing our emissions. I reiterate the importance of medium-term targets. Long-term targets are all well and good, but we need to have some accountability. Medium-term targets help us to do that. I commend the motion. I am very happy to support it, and I look forward to the inquiry.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Convenor, ACT Greens) (11.16): The motion being debated today is well overdue. I am very pleased to be able to speak to this motion on what I think are very comprehensive terms of reference and a much-needed inquiry into a legislated greenhouse gas reduction target for the ACT. For many years the Greens have campaigned tirelessly on the need to recognise and take drastic action on climate change. Never before has the earth and all its inhabitants faced such a threat. What we are doing to the planet cannot continue. We are doing irreparable harm and we must now, after so many years of stalling, address the issue, accept our responsibility and take up the enormous challenge that presents itself.
On 4 September 1996 Kerrie Tucker moved a motion calling for the introduction of a greenhouse gas reduction target for the ACT. The Liberal government of the day responded to this motion and created a greenhouse gas reduction target for the ACT, and for its time it was a very good target indeed. Then under the Stanhope government this target and its accompanying strategy were removed. After a few years with no strategy or target at all the Stanhope government finally developed a replacement strategy—the current climate change strategy Weathering the Change. This strategy does not have a meaningful target. In fact, the targets in it are embarrassing and do not even come close to fulfilling our obligations. The science is unequivocal. It is simply not adequate. We need to significantly change our responses if we are to play our part and accept our share of the responsibility of preventing dangerous climate change. Of course, setting a target is a delicate, difficult and complex matter. Establishing a target that can actually be implemented and achieved requires not only a great deal of planning and foresight but also much determination and dedication. The Greens are very aware that there is no point in setting a target unless it is accompanied by policies and programs which are capable of being implemented, monitored and adjusted appropriately.
I do not think that any of the parties represented in the Assembly today disagree that urgent action is needed to abate the worst affects of climate change. I think we all understand the significance of the introductory part of the terms of reference, but
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