Page 4609 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 27 November 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The Greens support this motion today. We will be happy to write again to our federal leader. I spoke to his office yesterday on this matter. I am sure he will do everything he can to restore our territory rights.
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra—Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts and Cultural Events, Minister for Building Quality Improvement, Minister for Business and Regulatory Services, Minister for Government Services and Procurement and Minister for Seniors and Veterans) (11.12): I am very pleased to speak in support of this motion and to highlight again why Canberrans deserve the right to self-determination. This motion is about equality. This motion is about demonstrating and making very clear our view that it is unacceptable that Canberrans can still be stripped of the right to make their own laws.
This ACT government has consistently advocated and acted to give voice to Canberra’s progressive values, and we are proud to represent Canberrans—all Canberrans. We believe in self-government. What we have at the moment with the provisions in the self-government act is not only undemocratic but it is also cowardly for conservative politicians to continue to deny this parliament the right to consider legislation simply because they do not like what the outcome might be.
I am reminded of the famous quote from Evelyn Beatrice Hall, who wrote in the Friends of Voltaire:
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
This is the structural equivalent of that well-known democratic principle. Democracy relies on the representatives of people being empowered to consider matters for the peace, order and good government of the jurisdiction. The people of Canberra are currently denied their right because of the anomalous, unreasonable and undemocratic limitation contained in sections 23(1A) and 23(1B) of the self-government act.
Together in Canberra we have built the healthiest, best educated, longest-living community in Australia, and as members of government we as ministers have a responsibility to deliver policies and administer the territory in a way that honours the values of the people of Canberra. That is what we are doing; we are delivering. Our achievements in building the most progressive community in Canberra, a restorative city, honours our constituents’ values.
Even when as elected representatives we differ on issues such as voluntary assisted dying or pill testing or marriage equality, each of us must stand up for Canberrans’ rights to self-determination. This motion demands that we take renewed action to do so.
Despite Mr Coe’s efforts to blur the boundaries between this motion and the substantive issue of voluntary assisted dying, this motion does not require the support of any member on the issue of voluntary assisted dying and any legislation that may follow. It simply calls on the leaders here to show leadership in their support for ACT democracy.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video