Page 4241 - Week 13 - Thursday, 27 November 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Nature Conservation Act and updating definitions resulting from changes in categories for threatened species and ecological categories.
As members have outlined, the bill deals with the functions of the Conservator of Flora and Fauna, roles in relation to biodiversity research and monitoring, the functions of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service and conservation officers, the role of the newly named Scientific Committee, a very important role in providing advice to the minister and to the broader community on issues in relation to advice on protected species, processes for threatened species and ecological community listings, processes for protected species, processes to provide for strategies and plans and ultimately for reserve management. There are also the usual provisions in relation to licensing offences and penalties.
The bill strengthens our overall nature conservation framework and complements the nature conservation strategy which was finalised in 2013. Key aspects of this bill enhance the role of the Conservator of Flora and Fauna, increase alignment between the ACT law and the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and provide for greater flexibility and innovative approaches to management such as resource protection areas to enhance rehabilitation efforts.
In closing, I would like to reiterate that the protection and management of biodiversity is fundamental to the achievement of a sustainable future. It is therefore timely to ensure that this bill reflects the range of contemporary methods available for managing biodiversity while still maintaining traditional protections for species and ecosystems.
I would like to thank my fellow members—Ms Lawder, Mr Rattenbury and their respective staff—along with the staff of my office and the staff of the Environment and Planning Directorate who have worked long and hard to reach this point today. I am pleased that we are in a position to debate this bill on this the last sitting day of 2014. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Detail stage
MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Attorney-General, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Capital Metro) (5.17): Pursuant to standing order 182A(b) and (c), I seek leave to move amendments to this bill that are both in response to comments made by the scrutiny committee and minor and technical in nature together.
Leave granted.
Clause 1 agreed to.
Clause 2.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video