Page33 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 2 December 2020
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . 2020 Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Motion to take note of petitions
MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to standing order 98A, I propose the question:
That the petition and responses so lodged be noted.
Sport—Thoroughbred Park funding—petition 24-20
MS CLAY (Ginninderra) (10.20): Madam Speaker, I am happy to support this petition and continue the tradition of Greens MLAs bringing the voice of the community to the Legislative Assembly. The Greens have long supported petitions and their place in our democratic processes, and it will continue to be a priority of the ACT Greens in this Assembly term to bring community petitions to the Assembly.
The ACT Greens have a strong animal welfare agenda. This includes supporting horse ownership and horse riders. We are also committed to ensuring that horses are treated well and with consideration of strong animal welfare standards. I understand that most horse owners care deeply for their animals, and owners clearly play an important role in the animal welfare of their horses.
I also note that there is deep and growing community concern around injuries to and deaths of horses in the racing industry. These concerns are valid and worthy of ongoing discussion. The ACT Greens support the Australian Greens’ calls for a national royal commission to further examine animal welfare issues in the horseracing industry.
In relation to the specific calls in this petition for more funding for the arts, I would like to highlight the ACT Greens’ strong commitment to increased funding for the arts and for artists. As members would be aware, COVID-19 has had an immense impact on artists and the creative community, and we believe it is important to provide funding to artists so that they are able to create with increased certainty of funding for their industry during the pandemic.
I thank the petitioner and their supporters for their advocacy on these issues. I note that there are over 500 signatures, so this will be referred to a committee.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Leave of absence
Motion (by Mr Hanson) agreed to:
That leave of absence be granted to Ms Lawder for today and tomorrow due to family reasons.
Nomination of Assistant Speakers
Statement by Speaker
MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to the provisions of standing order 8, I table a nomination for the appointment of Mr Pettersson as an Assistant Speaker, dated
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . 2020 Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video