Page 94 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 12 February 2019
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degrees of warming and all of the catastrophic effects that come with crossing that threshold.
This morning we made clear that allowing the construction of a new coalmine, especially one that will not have any major economic benefit to our country, is not a path we can follow. Allowing a mine to be built that will alone use 0.5 per cent of the carbon budget of the entire world is simply unconscionable.
While today’s rally was to protest the Adani coalmine, it was also about much more. With both major parties still supporting coal, the crowd implored those in power to look beyond short-term thinking and self-interest. We had to remind those standing in the way of renewable energy that their decisions are bigger than them, that what they do now will affect billions of lives in the future. They told politicians that complacency on climate change is not acceptable any longer.
I was inspired by the conviction and solidarity on display at the event. It was a clear reminder that when we stand alongside one another, rather than alone, we have the power to make a real difference. When our institutions fail us, it is incumbent on all of us to push for change at the grassroots level. I was pleased to see so many people out in force against government inaction on climate change. Just as people have fought for justice on many other issues before us, today we demanded justice for our environment. I thank all the organisers, speakers, and protestors who made the event possible. I encourage everyone to continue to stand up for climate justice.
Standing beside my fellow climate activists, I was proud of the accomplishments of the ACT. We are on track to meet world-leading targets. We will be 100 per cent powered by renewable electricity by next year. By 2045, we hope, our city will produce zero net emissions.
But the work is far from over. I was dismayed to see the federal Labor Party declare their support for the coalmine at this critical moment. At times like these, I sometimes wonder whether entrenched power and short-term thinking may actually have the power to defeat the hard work of activists and community members. I truly hope that Labor will consider all that is at stake and follow the policies of the Greens, who think that protecting the environment should be a central priority of any government. That means no new coalmines or coal fired-power stations.
It is clear from the turnout at the rally this morning that people are ready to mobilise and demand better. With a looming federal election, it is a critical time for the community to demand better from our federal politicians. Thanks to those who did that this morning.
Planning and Development Act—variation No 342 to the Territory Plan
MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra) (4.42): Today the minister for planning presented variation No 342 to the Territory Plan. It passed with little fanfare. That is, of course, no bad thing, and I am sure many public servants are relieved. But I want to put on the record the journey that was taken to get to this stage, one which I have been very
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