Page 53 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 11 February 2020
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record-breaking temperatures reaching 44 degrees in some areas, followed by a destructive hailstorm. The impacts of climate change are undeniable, and we know that the devastation of fires ranges from the natural environment, to small businesses, to people and their livelihoods. The impacts are widespread and the aftershocks are still being felt.
I am proud to serve in a government that is working hard to mitigate the clearly disastrous impacts of climate change, as we take tangible action in the face of a very real climate emergency. We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as major fires are officially extinguished. However, this government understands that there is still work to be done.
In true Canberra spirit, the ACT government will continue to work to ensure that the safety and social recovery of our community and interstate neighbours remain a priority.
Mr Barr: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Bushfire and storm season
Debate resumed.
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra—Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events, Minister for Building Quality Improvement, Minister for Business and Regulatory Services and Minister for Seniors and Veterans) (2.56): Last November I had the privilege of conducting a wedding ceremony for two friends of mine. The ceremony was in Bungendore, and as we prepared for the outdoor ceremony and the smoke surrounded us, we were aware that, because of the impact of the smoke and the impact of the Tallaganda fire some miles east of the town, some of the guests were unable to attend the wedding. The interruption and the disruption of a celebration of life by that growing natural disaster was, in some ways, a portent, even if just a very a minor one at the time, of the events that would unfold in a summer without precedent.
That particular event was on the land of the Ngarigo people. More recent experiences have impacted the land of the Darug, the Gundungurra, the Tharawal, the Wiradjuri and, of course, the land of the Ngunnawal, along with many lands of many nations. I acknowledge the devastation and the deep pain that has been caused to people who have cared for this land for many thousands of years.
The impact of this summer has been profound. It is clear that the warnings of the impact of climate change that we have heard for decades are being realised and that our country is being changed. Over the past three months we have all been affected. The closeness—the physical, economic and relational closeness—between Canberra and the surrounding region has meant that we are affected in broader ways than may be immediately apparent.
Friends of mine have had a fire within 150 metres of their property. Another friend of mine was evacuated from his house, only to return to offer chaplaincy support to an
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