Page 4857 - Week 11 - Thursday, 21 October 2010
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This bill supports ongoing independent reporting on our greenhouse gas emissions profile. It ensures that the methodology used in reporting is consistent with national and international good practice and meets the territory’s specific reporting requirements. In addition, it proposes that the independent body responsible for undertaking the reporting will be the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission into the foreseeable future.
This bill is strong on accountability. Verified reporting on our greenhouse gas emissions is part of the equation, one of the tools employed to meet our reduction targets. In addition to providing us with an accurate picture of our situation, it will enable us to track progress in meeting the targets.
The bill contains provisions to ensure that policies, programs and progress towards emissions reductions are reported on regularly to the Assembly and the public to keep everyone informed so that we all know what is working, what is not working and so that we can work out what we need to do next. The minister will be required to report to the Assembly on this progress to ensure that it is kept informed.
The bill also endows the minister with the following functions: to regularly review issues relating to climate change; to promote action to meet the targets; to develop, adopt or promote policies and programs relating to climate change; to consult business and community entities about issues relating to climate change; to consider and promote actions or strategies by business entities, including technological developments, to address or adapt to climate change or to reduce emissions; to promote the territory’s involvement in state, national and international climate change fora; to promote the commercialisation, generation and use of renewable energy in the territory; to promote the commercialisation and use of other technologies to reduce emissions; to promote research and development consistent with the objectives of the act; to support and develop regional, national and international approaches to addressing climate change; and to consider and recommend amending a territory law or government policy or practice if the minister reasonably believes an amendment is necessary to achieve the objects of the act.
The functions provided to the minister in this bill underline both the importance the government places on this legislation and the collective approach we want to be at its heart. As I have said in this and other arenas, real progress in addressing climate change is being made at a local level. Indeed, it is one of the most practical levels that we can engage in. One of the main reasons for this is that at this level genuine innovation can be fostered and genuine engagement undertaken. Already in the ACT significant work is being undertaken to create a more sustainable future in our schools, our homes, at work and politically.
This bill builds on this work and sees this government do what all governments should do—lead change, set benchmarks and work to deliver. We are already well on our way to achieving this. This bill is an important opportunity for the ACT to once again establish itself as a leader on these issues because the time to act is now. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
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