Page 4472 - Week 10 - Thursday, 23 September 2010
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I look forward to this more comprehensive analysis being provided in the workforce profile. We do need to keep an eye on the issue of gender equity, and that includes not only across the ACT public service but in many occupations here in the ACT and across Australia.
I note that in her tabling statement the minister talked about supporting the commitment under the ACT women’s plan around meaningful sex-disaggregated data. I would also like to note that this is obviously an item in the Labor-Greens parliamentary agreement to follow through.
I am pleased that this work has been undertaken and that the minister has obviously put in work and time to make this a reality. I look forward to further feedback or further reports on progress and for the inclusion of this data in future workforce profiles.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Water—efficiency
Discussion of matter of public importance
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Speaker has received letters from Ms Bresnan, Mr Coe, Mr Doszpot, Mrs Dunne, Mr Hanson, Ms Hunter, Ms Le Couteur, Ms Porter, Mr Seselja and Mr Smyth proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, Mr Speaker has determined that the matter proposed by Ms Hunter be submitted to the Assembly, namely:
The importance of ongoing water efficiency measures in the ACT.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Convenor, ACT Greens) (3.40): I rise today to discuss this important issue of ongoing water efficiency measures in the ACT. I do so because we have had some recent good fortune in regard to the amount of rain the territory has received this year, and the state of our water catchments is looking particularly healthy compared to recent years. This is in stark contrast to the last five years which saw lower than average rainfall and diminished inflows into our catchments.
Indeed, right across the country we are seeing water levels in our reservoirs, lakes and rivers that have not been seen for some years, and it has provided a huge amount of relief to not just the ACT but also rural and regional communities right across the eastern states of Australia. That relief is indeed welcome.
Here in the ACT, the easing of water restrictions has been welcomed by many in the community. People appreciate the chance to wash their cars, nursery operators are keen to encourage Canberrans to get out into their gardens again, and some have asked why we continue to have water restrictions at all.
Our current dam levels in the territory are sitting overall at just over 78 per cent. This is quite a turnaround from this time last year when they were sitting below 50 per cent.
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