Page 5613 - Week 15 - Wednesday, 9 December 2009
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We have hit a roadblock in our collective Australian efforts to address climate change. We can, however, get through it, and we must get through it. We will support the Australian government, the Rudd Labor government, getting through it.
The ACT government strongly believes that it is necessary to think globally and for the ACT to play its part in the global effort in combating climate change. Canberra is ideally placed of all Australian cities to be the benchmark of sustainability, especially in showing the way to a realistic and a low carbon future.
We will continue in this and urge other governments nationally and internationally to do the same. I would urge my colleagues in this place across the chamber to urge their colleagues in the federal government to support these measures when they come before the Australian parliament again in the new year—for us not to see the debacle that we have recently seen in that place, where the Senate rejected these very important measures.
I quote again from President Obama:
… if we are flexible and pragmatic, if we can resolve to work tirelessly in common effort, then we will achieve our common purpose: a world that is safer, cleaner, and healthier than the one we found; and a future that is worthy of our children.
I urge members to take these things into account and to really work hard to lobby their colleagues on the hill so that we will not see the debacle that we saw earlier this month.
Debate (on motion by Mr Seselja) adjourned to the next sitting.
Adjournment
Ministerial responsibilities
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Minister for Children and Young People, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Women) (6.30): I move:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
As I approach my 40-day mark as a minister for the ACT government, I have been reflecting on my experience and what I have learned so far since entering cabinet. It has been a fascinating and rewarding journey.
I have learned that I and the ACT community have the support of many great officials in the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services. They are public servants who work incredibly hard every day to provide better support and services, public servants that I am proud to work with as minister. I have learned that the Labor team is truly a team—seven MLAs and a couple of dozen staff united in their deep interest in delivering for the whole of the Canberra community. I thank my colleagues and staff for their support through what has been a very interesting journey so far.
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