Page 3052 - Week 08 - Thursday, 16 August 2018
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In summary, the ACT should be commended for the world-leading work it has been doing to tackle climate change to date. We are lucky to have an involved community that is dedicated to being responsible global citizens. We are also lucky to be in a position where we can do our part. Because of this, it is important we continue to do our fair share to reduce emissions, based on the latest science. This bill will keep us on the right track to be doing just that. I commend the bill and the determination to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Ms Lawder) adjourned to the next sitting.
Remonstrance—democratic rights of citizens of the ACT
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism and Major Events) (11.13), by leave: I move the remonstrance motion that I have had circulated in the chamber:
That this Assembly:
(1) recognises that Australia’s democracy is one of the best in the world;
(2) recognises that Territory rights are of paramount importance to citizens of the Australian Capital Territory;
(3) resolves that subsections 23(1A) and 23(1B) of the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 are unwarranted restrictions on the democratic rights of residents of the Australian Capital Territory;
(4) notes that the abovementioned subsections form legislation that the Commonwealth Parliament could not, and cannot, constitutionally enact for the States; and
(5) determines that the Remonstrance will read as follows:
REMONSTRANCE
The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory respectfully addresses the President of the Senate and Senators of the Commonwealth Parliament.
Preamble
With other States around Australia actively considering and passing laws on voluntary assisted dying, the fact that the Australian Capital Territory cannot even consider its own legislation is unjust.
The ACT community wants this issue debated. The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory established a select committee on 30 November 2017 to examine issues around end of life choices, including palliative care and of life choices. The Committee is due to report by end November 2018.
The ACT Government has stated, repeatedly and in a variety of forums (The Canberra Times—ACT wouldn’t rush through euthanasia laws, if Andrews Bill scrapped—Article, 12 July 2018—Burgess, K. Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory—Inquiry into End of Life Choices in the ACT—Hansard, transcript of Committee hearings, 12 July 2018, p376. The
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