Page 184 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 13 February 2019
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It is a report that outlines a litany of failures: a failure to ensure the Murray-Darling plan was lawful; a failure to grasp the real risks of climate change; a failure to incorporate sound scientific knowledge in decisions; and a failure of transparency. Again, it is no wonder the head of the royal commission has recommended a complete overhaul of the scheme. Coupled with cuts to water science and research, and the broader implications of severe drought on the supply of water to communities across the country, this gives us serious cause for concern. Action will need to be taken
As we have heard repeatedly today, the ACT government will continue care for our waterways and the surrounding environment. We will continue to implement the ACT water strategy. We will continue to prioritise the ACT healthy waterways project because we understand the importance of working collaboratively with other states and the federal government, like a federation does, to ensure the success of the Murray-Darling Basin. It is part of our broader commitment to the environment and to the security of our water—clean, fresh, safe water.
I again call on members to unite in condemning the maladministration of the Murray-Darling Basin. And I call on all members to support the ACT government’s actions with respect to the river network. We will not ignore the actions of other governments and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. We will not stand by silently, without passion, when such an important resource is at stake, just like we did not stand by silently when the New South Wales government introduced its reckless legislation to protect feral horses at the expense of our environment and our water catchment. We must ensure our waterways are looked after, now and in the future. The future of Canberra, and of Canberrans, depends on it.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Alexander Maconochie Centre—accommodation
MRS JONES (Murrumbidgee) (4.35): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes the detainee population of the Alexander Maconochie Centre has reached a new high of 507, 68 detainees over the design capacity of 439 and four detainees fewer than the operational capacity of 511;
(2) further notes that a feasibility study into future correctional requirements, including accommodation, was completed in early 2018; and
(3) calls on the ACT Government to release its findings of the feasibility study and explain to the Assembly how it will accommodate detainees should the population increase beyond 511.
Here we are again, as we have been so many times before in this place, discussing problems with the AMC. From the outset I would like to acknowledge the local, national and international trends of incarceration rates increasing. Of course, this is due to a number of factors, as the minister has often explained. However, this trend is not particularly new. Ever since the AMC opened its doors 10 years ago, the
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