Page 1252 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 11 April 2018
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We should not forget the previous South Australian Labor government, led by Mike Rann and Jay Weatherill. Both premiers led action here in Australia and at a global level through their leadership of the Climate Group’s states and regions alliance, as well as through leading policies such as the Tesla battery, which happens to be built on the wind farm that the ACT helped to construct.
Ms Orr’s motion follows in this proud tradition, and it also follows calls for action that Mr Steel made in this place last year. Their understanding and wish for action are a reflection of the rank-and-file members of our party. Labor members, like all Canberrans, can be proud of the steps that this government has taken. Led by the Chief Minister and my predecessor, Mr Corbell, Canberra has become the renewable energy capital of Australia and the place to come to if you are serious about helping to create a low carbon economy. I am also proud of my contribution in legislating for the feed-in tariff.
Ms Orr’s motion offers the government a way to build on these initiatives. Virtual power plants can help to deploy more renewable energy and create generation capacity right here in our territory, with the ability to dispatch it when needed. I also believe that by exploring the ideas put forward in this motion we can help low income householders. These householders are amongst some of those in our community that are most at risk from the changes that global warming is bringing. Virtual power plants have been shown to not only reduce costs for those that are part of the scheme but also put downward pressure on electricity prices for all consumers by helping to create new capacity in the market.
In closing, let me again congratulate both Ms Orr and Mr Steel on their passion and strong advocacy. Like all members on this side, they are committed to seeing a growing Canberra that is more sustainable and one that is not afraid to lead the nation.
Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour.
Sitting suspended from 12.28 to 2.30 pm.
Questions without notice
Land—Dickson purchase
MR COE: My question is to the Chief Minister regarding the complicated and discredited land swap deal the government did in Dickson. Chief Minister, have you sought advice, or will you get advice, as to whether the tender and subsequent contract with the Tradies club for the Dickson car park site is legally binding, given all the evidence uncovered by the Auditor-General?
MR BARR: The government will respond to the Auditor-General’s report in due course.
MR COE: On what date will the Tradies be vacating the section 72 site that they are currently renting for $1 per year?
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