Page 2959 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 15 August 2018

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MR PETTERSSON: Minister, how can all local Ginninderra and Yerrabi MLAs help promote public awareness of green bins for Belconnen residents?

MS FITZHARRIS: That is a great question, and I encourage all MLAs to promote this wonderful service, particularly in the Belconnen region. As I mentioned earlier, Ministers Ramsay and Berry delivered the first green bins in Belconnen and, of course, our very active local member in Ginninderra Ms Cheyne is also an enthusiastic supporter of green bins and has been promoting them extensively through social media channels.

Unfortunately we see those opposite less active on the matter of green bins, particularly when this wonderful service is being delivered right across their electorates as well. It is confusing to some in the community, I am sure, Madam Speaker, because you may remember that about six years ago—I am advised, almost to the day—Mrs Dunne was out promoting the benefit of the Canberra Liberals’ policy at that point to deliver green bins. Back then she said:

Effective waste management and reduction is not only important in protecting our environment, it’s also a vital component of a well-managed city.

On this side of the chamber we absolutely agree. Mrs Dunne further said in 2012:

This initiative would save Canberra home owners up to $400 a year in green waste collection services.

Even more recently the opposition were also proposing a green bin trial, a green bin roundtable, I understand—I think I recall from about two years ago—which never eventuated. I am sure the Canberra community will have a long memory on the Liberals’ position on green bins and I look forward to them reversing their position on green bins, supporting the rollout of this wonderful service to Canberra and encouraging all their constituents to sign up for a green bin.

Members interjecting

MADAM SPEAKER: Can we all settle down and get back to questions without notice.

Taxation—unit rating system

MR PARTON: My question is to the Treasurer. I refer to reports in the media of 9 August that the government had not modelled the impact of apartment and unit rates increases on rents. Why hasn’t the government modelled the impact of its rates increases on rents?

MR BARR: The member would probably be aware, I would hope, that those charges are fully tax deductible.

MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Parton, a supplementary.


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