Page 4611 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 27 November 2019
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commonwealth wanted us to take responsibility for our own fiscal management and our lawmaking.
Canberrans may not have been big supporters of self-government when it was established but over the past 30 years we have learned to make the most of the opportunities made available to us by democracy. Even those who complain about self-government for the most part at least think that if we have it we should have the democratic rights it would be expected to confer.
As the Chief Minister so often mentions, we are a little city that punches well above its weight. Our economy is strong, our budget is well managed, and we lead the nation on so many policy fronts. On some, like our recently achieved 100 per cent renewable electricity goal, we come close to leading the world. As Ms Cheyne’s motion notes and as the Chief Minister noted as well, we have developed a strong jurisdictional identity. Canberrans are proud to be a part of a forward-thinking, progressive city. Canberrans have shown they know what is best for Canberra. For the past 30 years we have been showing just how successful a little city we can be, that is, when we are not held back by the feds.
Despite washing its hands of full financial responsibility for the ACT the federal government has retained its ability to impart final moral judgement on our community’s choices. Canberrans are well aware of the story of marriage equality in the ACT: we legislate to get it done, the commonwealth puts its foot down and says no. When our little city pushes ahead, the commonwealth pushes back, motivated by the wishes of some quiet Australians who apparently oppose progressive policies. But as the story of marriage equality shows us, the silent majority does not necessarily seem to think what the conservatives think they do when you put it to a vote.
Ultimately, this is about Canberrans having a choice to have their own conversation. We know that Canberrans are capable of having a mature, democratic debate about the difficult social issues of the day. All members would be aware that our city is very capable of engaging on these issues. I frequently receive well thought out correspondence on complex policy issues and have in-depth conversations with my constituents about a wide range of matters.
Contrary to Mr Coe’s assertions, I believe all my colleagues on this side of the chamber engage in such conversations with respect for alternative views. It was hard for some of my colleagues when their very being was criticised and even condemned in the debate on marriage equality, but those conversations were had. So also should we be able to have the conversation about voluntary assisted dying and what it means to die with dignity.
Canberrans should be able to come to their local members with their ideas, solutions, and views without having to worry about what Kevin Andrews or the commonwealth might think. I fully support Ms Cheyne’s motion and I encourage all members to do likewise. It is about our right as a democracy, as all other states in this country are able to have.
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