Page 6140 - Week 14 - Thursday, 9 December 2010
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The Greens have also improved access to justice. Unmet legal need is an issue right across Australia, and Canberra is not immune. Unmet legal need arises when people are faced with a legal issue and cannot afford a private lawyer, do not qualify for legal aid and end up slipping through the gaps. People in this situation are forced to either represent themselves in court or leave the legal issue unresolved.
For people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, an unexpected legal issue can be particularly traumatic and damaging. To assist these people, the Street Law outreach project was funded in the 2009-10 budget. The project offers free legal advice and referrals to people in need. The project was an item the Greens put in the parliamentary agreement. It has been a success. In the first six months of operation 181 homeless clients were assisted. Because each of these clients had multiple legal issues, the service provided to them has been significant. Street Law is another clear example of the real benefit the parliamentary agreement is delivering to Canberrans in need.
We also returned a library to the inner south, with a state-of-the-art library opening in Kingston last year. Last year’s TAMS annual report shows that over 80,000 items were borrowed from the Kingston library in its first six months, and we have had a flood of positive comments from members of the public saying how they use and enjoy this new library.
The plastic bag ban that was passed by the Assembly this week is an important step in making the ACT an environmental leader and decreasing our waste and our use of plastic.
The feasibility study for a Gungahlin shopfront that is currently underway is another achievement of the parliamentary agreement. This is expected to result in a full shopfront service for people of Gungahlin, something that is overdue and will make a significant contribution to those who live out in Gungahlin.
Other improved outcomes that have come about because of the Greens include moving forward the establishment of the wetlands, something that Mr Hanson thought was a terrible idea. I can tell you that people living in those areas are seeing it as a fantastic addition and amenity for their community. Other improved outcomes are the six-star housing for all new developments; solar passive orientation for new housing and subdivisions; the introduction of triple bottom line reporting into annual reports, although I note that more work needs to be done; a more sustainable Molonglo Valley development; child-friendly planning; and a recentralised community engagement unit in CMD.
All of this demonstrates just what a positive impact the Greens have had on the government of the ACT. There is, of course, much that remains to be done, and significant criticisms remain.
There are areas where the government continues to rely on rhetoric without taking real action. We have seen instances, for example, where it talks about its commitment to environmental initiatives but then fails to act on them. And we do have ongoing concern that the management of our nature reserves is underfunded. We appreciate
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