Page 346 - Week 01 - Thursday, 27 February 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
We need leaders and entrepreneurs who can show us how change can happen. We need governments at all levels to show leadership by setting targets and policies to drive the right type of investment in renewable energy. We need politicians to stop bickering about how and why, and start working together within terms of government and across terms of government to build consensus about how to fix this. We need this entire Assembly to work together, to deliver real action on climate change as a local environmental action and as part of our contribution as global citizens. I commend my motion to the Assembly.
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (5.30), by leave: I move the amendments circulated in my name together:
(1) Omit subparagraph (1)(k), substitute:
“(k) as a city with one of the highest standards of living in the world, we have a commitment to reduce emissions while still recognising that there are people in our community on low incomes who are struggling with the cost of living;”.
(2) Add new paragraph (3):
“(3) the Assembly refer the greenhouse emission reduction targets to the Standing Committee on Planning, Environment and Territory and Municipal Services to review how this target affects the cost of living in the ACT and consider viable methods of achieving this target at the lowest possible cost.”.
I put forward these amendments because one of the most important things for the Canberra Liberals is the welfare of Canberrans. The Canberra Liberals have been leaders in the area of the environment many times. In fact, I am sure some of you would recall that it was a Liberal government that first introduced an ACT minister for the environment in the early 1990s. It was also a local Liberal government in 1997 that introduced the first greenhouse gas reduction targets for any jurisdiction in Australia. We do support and always have supported environmental initiatives, but we need to know the cost impact for households. We must always keep in mind in this place that the decisions we make, whether they be on ideological grounds or based on scientific research, have a huge impact on the everyday lives of Canberrans. It would be irresponsible for us to support any initiative at any cost.
This is the point we have been making about light rail and it is the point we make here. We would not support any initiative blindfolded without an understanding of the costs or the ramifications. The Canberra Liberals have in the past committed to the 30 per cent greenhouse gas reduction targets based on 1990 levels. It is obvious that in this place the debate is no longer about targets or whether or not we should have them, nor is it about whether we should or should not take action. The debate now is about understanding what it will mean for our community, for Canberra families. Will we get the result that justifies the pain?
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video