Page 317 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 1 March 1994
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
The ACT has an enviable record in the area of community education and information about environmental issues. An environmental education component is integrated into the school curriculum from kindergarten through to Year 12. Last year the environment decisions kit was produced for college students. It offers students studying biology or environmental courses insight into how scientific theory is applied in practice, taking into account the many aspects that may influence decision making in environmental management. A recycling education resource kit was issued by the Government last year. It comprises a guide for teachers and an accompanying video dealing with the three Rs of waste minimisation - reduce, reuse, recycle.
A separate Department of Environmental Science within the School of Applied Science at the Canberra Institute of Technology was established in 1993. The department includes a centre for training in waste management. A national curriculum project on the educational needs for environment and waste management is under way in the department. An associate diploma in environmental science is now available for students, together with a certificate in conservation skills. An environment education strategy is being developed which will link with issues identified in the ACT environment strategy, where education is highlighted as one mechanism for implementation. The strategy will highlight ways of targeting appropriate groups and will establish a plan to encourage raised environmental awareness, understanding, values and actions.
It is important to emphasise that, while the ACT report is prepared on sectoral grounds, as required by the national reporting guidelines, the Government does not see its environmental management role in terms of individual sectors. While there have been many achievements and many innovative programs, they are parts of the holistic and integrated approach we are using to ensure the continued protection and enhancement of our environment.
In summary, I think it is fair to say that the Government is establishing an enviable record in environmental management in the ACT. The Government recognises, however, that there is no room for complacency. The appointment of Dr Joe Baker as inaugural statutory Commissioner for the Environment is demonstration of this. The commissioner will provide an independent assessment of the Government's performance on environmental management. He will act as an environmental ombudsman, investigating community complaints about environmental management practices and policies of ACT Government agencies. No other Australian government has taken this step. In preparing the first ACT state of the environment report, I have asked the commissioner to include a particular focus on greenhouse issues, addressing agencies' compliance with the ACT greenhouse strategy and commenting on specific areas where there is scope for more effective agency action.
In conclusion, through the finalisation of the different strategies for environmental management mentioned above and the development of integrated environment protection legislation, the Government will continue to work with the community on ways of protecting our environment and promoting ecologically sustainable development in the ACT. Together we can ensure that the environment is protected in its own right and for the benefit of future generations.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .