Page 2126 - Week 07 - Thursday, 20 August 2020
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Currently, when the planning minister refers a draft plan variation to the standing committee late in the term of the Assembly, election timing may well make it impossible for the standing committee to hold an inquiry, even if one is warranted. The new committee formed after the general election would also not have time to inquire due to the time elapsed between the referral and the first sitting of the new Assembly. A government could potentially use this to bypass Assembly scrutiny.
This clause addresses this shortcoming by commencing the time frame to report on the first sitting day of the Assembly after the general election, where the referral is made within four months of a general election.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Manager of Government Business, Minister for Advanced Technology and Space Industries, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Urban Renewal) (5.07): The matter probably could have been settled within the committee or in the Assembly standing orders. However, there is no harm in clarifying this through the Planning and Development Act.
Clause 12 agreed to.
Clause 13.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Manager of Government Business, Minister for Advanced Technology and Space Industries, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Urban Renewal) (5.07): The government cannot agree to clauses 13 and 14 as drafted. Let me be clear: Labor takes climate change seriously. We do not just talk; we act.
Our planning legislation and regulations already account for climate change. For example, under section 120(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2007, for proposals assessed in the merit track, the planning and land authority can consider greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed development through the requirement to consider the probable impact of the proposed development, including the nature, extent and significance of probable environmental impacts in deciding the application. I support taking further actions to strengthen climate change considerations within the planning system. This work is being undertaken through the planning review process.
In relation to clauses 13 and 14, these will stop developments in our city, so I will not support action that jeopardises jobs. I will support steps to tackle climate change that protect and grow jobs—a just transition. This is reflected in election commitments from the Chief Minister regarding interest-free loans for solar for households.
In acknowledging that further steps can be taken, the government will be moving amendments to insert new clauses 14A and 14B. This is a sensible, thoughtful way forward, ahead of the comprehensive changes to the Territory Plan that will come about as a result of the planning review.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video