Page 4514 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 26 November 2019

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been burnt before—for at least thousands but potentially millions of years. Some of these rainforests are World Heritage listed because they have survived since the Australian continent was attached to Antarctica. They are Gondwanaland forests. They are literally irreplaceable.

These rainforests have not evolved to survive fire. We are seeing the beginning of their extinction, even if we act now, given the temperature changes we potentially are seeing. It is particularly upsetting for me, as the background of where I used to live, the rainforest, is burning. It is dreadful.

These petitions call on the Assembly and the government to play their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by taking action on transport. In particular, the petitioners call for four actions: (1) legislated transport targets that align with the ACT’s zero emissions targets; (2) an active travel commissioner role to oversee implementation of the ACT’s active travel policies; (3) redirecting funding from roads to infrastructure for walking, cycling and public transport; and (4) ensuring that all new buses purchased by Transport Canberra are zero emissions. I urge the government to take these calls very seriously and take action on them.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Matters of public importance

Standing orders—suspension

Motion (by Mr Gentleman) agreed to, with the concurrence of an absolute majority:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent matters of public importance being discussed on this day and on Thursday, 28 November 2019.

Adjournment debate

Standing orders—suspension

Motion (by Mr Gentleman) agreed to, with the concurrence of an absolute majority:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the time allocated for the adjournment debate continuing for 45 minutes for the next three sitting days.

Leave of absence

Motion (by Mr Gentleman) agreed to:

That leave of absence be granted to Mr Pettersson for this week due to CPA business.

Motion (by Mr Gentleman) agreed to:

That leave of absence be granted for all members for the period 29 November 2019 to 10 February 2020.


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