Page 3284 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 21 August 2019
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prepare inexpensive and healthy plant-based meals. Cooking, and in particular plant-based meal preparation, is a useful skill for residents after they leave the ACT government’s control. Of course, I want the government to report back to the Assembly on progress on the above by the last sitting day in June 2020.
If being vegetarian or vegan seems too hard, remember, any reduction in the amount of meat and dairy you eat will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will probably improve your health, depending on what you eat instead.
However, it is difficult for many of us to take the first step or the first bite. Traditionally of course, eating meat has been a sign of wealth. It is hard to change that cultural connection. However, moving to more plant-based foods is a project that is basically entirely positive. And, good news: it tastes good, it is good for human and planetary health, and it even costs less. The ACT making plant-based foods more accessible to all of us can help with that first bite.
Given that the Assembly has declared we are in a climate emergency, moving to a plant-based diet is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I am very hopeful that the Assembly will see fit to vote for my motion.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Manager of Government Business, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Advanced Technology and Space Industries) (3.53): I thank Ms Le Couteur for bringing this motion today. I share the sentiments that the motion contains. However, I think the motion goes too far in prescribing solutions.
Our actions should be guided by the experts, particularly in tackling climate change. The motion before us seeks to prescribe options in health care which rightly should be left to our clinicians and for the best needs of patients. We must also be respectful of the diversity of Canberra. Veganism is not something that some Canberrans can implement, as milk forms an important part of religious rituals, particularly for our friends from the subcontinent.
I do agree we should encourage more plant-based food options, rather than prescribing them. The ACT government already provides plant-based foods through the services it operates. Canberra businesses are also embracing this trend, as are large food service companies. I understand that Hungry Jack’s, Schnitz and Grill’d already provide plant-based food on their menus. This is occurring because consumers are wanting these options; they are driving the change.
Businesses are also recognising their corporate social responsibility in tackling climate change. The ACT government recognises the important impact that climate change will have on our environment and food security in the years to come. Indeed, the ACT climate change adaptation strategy 2016 includes priority actions for natural resources and ecosystems, and the ACT biosecurity strategy released in 2016 contributes to the protection of our food production industries.
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