Page 3657 - Week 10 - Thursday, 19 September 2019
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MR GUPTA (Yerrabi) (3.04): I am delighted to stand today to speak on the importance of the ACT leading the nation on the transition to 100 per cent renewable energy sources. Our government is responding to the significant global challenge of climate change. We are leading the nation by demonstrating what is possible and showing that substantive progress can be made with strong leadership, political will and smart policy design and implementation. It has been an exciting week for our jurisdiction in relation to the ACT government’s track record on transitioning to renewables.
Yesterday the Australia Institute released a report that the ACT will be the first major jurisdiction outside Europe to reach 100 per cent renewable energy. We are projected to completely transition away from fossil fuel-based energy supply by October.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr joined Ben Oquist from the Australia Institute for a politics in the pub discussion last night focusing on the ACT Labor government’s track record when it comes to transitioning to renewable energy. The Australia Institute have noted that the ACT shows how substantive progress can be achieved when the government is willing to exercise leadership, formulate smart policy and communicate it effectively to constituents.
The Australia Institute report follows the unveiling of the ACT climate strategy 2019-2025 last week. The strategy will allow us to reach our target of net zero carbon emission by 2045. The ACT is a small jurisdiction but we are making a big difference.
As we accelerate to 100 per cent renewable energy our government is taking further steps to reduce net emissions, which predominantly emanate from transport and gas from households and buildings. We will achieve this through our considered plan that will take measures such as accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles, planting trees and implementing a just transition away from gas. It is incredibly important that the ACT leads the nation on the transition to renewable energy. The world is rapidly moving toward renewable energy and the market is also relentlessly moving in that direction.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has snubbed the UN climate summit and the federal government has no real plan to address climate change. It is particularly important that we lead the change as the federal government has lagged on climate change. The states and territories are doers. The state and territory governments provide the majority of services and service implementation. In this capacity, it is important that we are leading our jurisdiction in the right direction and empower other jurisdictions to do the same.
While the federal government drags its feet it is important that we design and implement strong policy and have a political will to do the right thing and lead by example. It is important that we set an example for other jurisdictions that a transition to renewables creates opportunities for technology and development, training and education as well as jobs. The ACT accounts for approximately 1.6 per cent of the population. However, we have 3.3 per cent of renewable energy jobs. The opportunities for research and development, training and business are well
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