From my Desk
As the temperature drops and people are turning to heaters and fireplaces, once again we are reminded that, here in the ACT, instead of allowing residents to make their own decisions the Labor-Greens government has moved towards blanket bans.
The Greens have an ideological obsession against wood heaters. And because in the ACT, the ‘tail wags the dog’, Labor and the Greens are now proceeding with phasing out wood heaters by 2045. This is despite objections from industry groups, local small businesses and, of course, many thousands of Canberra residents.
Instead, we should consider doing what the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment suggested in 2023. The Commissioner’s report actually outlined several key issues with the Labor-Greens government’s current policy approach that need fixing first.
Addressing things such as emissions and efficiency standards, coupled with poor regulation and enforcement, misleading public education campaigns, ineffective replacement programs, and inconsistent suburb restrictions, were all significant issues outlined in the Commissioner’s report.
I cannot understand why these issues are not being addressed, unless it is just because the Greens love getting headlines, rather than pursuing effective action. A ban will not resolve any existing issues between now and 2045; and the ACT Government’s track record on enforcement brings into question the practicality of actually putting the ban in place.
But there is a more fundamental problem, and that is the continued desire of the Labor-Greens government to remove the freedom of choice for Canberra residents, allowing people to enjoy a roaring fire on a cold winter evening.
There is something nostalgic and warming about a fire. Instead of just a heavy-handed banning, there should be a push to adjust government policies and practices before impacting residents and homes.
I mean what will be next – will they ban outdoor firepits for the same reason? Put a ban on toasting marshmallows or making damper in your backyard? Will pizza ovens or coal barbeques be next in line?
As a Liberal, when Governments rely on big sticks and bans to implement policy, it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. People should be trusted to make the best decision for their lives and their families – and this includes how they heat their homes. If they do anything to abuse that trust, the Government should step in. But it’s typical that the Labor-Green’s response is simply putting in place a foolish ban.
This October, we have a chance to fix this problem. Only a new Liberal Government in the ACT Assembly will overturn these nonsensical bans, and citizens will again be trusted to exercise a real freedom of choice.
Out and About
We had a great turn out last month at our Forde Hot Chcoclate event. The issues of most concern were:
street sweeping
maintance of playgrounds
the Gungahlin JESC
cost of living
I am happy to report that the Gungahlin Joint Emergeny Service Centre is finally open and back in operation, as of the 13th of June. Almost two weeks after when the Minister initially promised it would be open – the 31st of May. But, I am glad to know that is it finally back open and servicing the Gunghalin region.
I have just started a new community survey: Your Suburb, Your Say. It will take you less than 3 minutes to fill out, but will provide me with the issues facing your suburb, and what I can do to help. The survey can be found here, if you could please spare a few minutes to complete it.
Community Hot Chocolate
Our last community Hot Chocolate event is next weekend, Saturday the 29th of June, from 12-2pm at the Paisley Street playground in Nicholls.
Pop it in your calendars and be sure to mke your way down for a chat!
Brand new Back in 5!
In this episode of Back in 5, I chat with Jayde and Andy from Stripey Sundae in Gold Creek!
Portfolio
Hartley Court Disability Housing
This week I had the pleasure of attending the re-opening of Hartley Court supported living accommodation for people living with a disability. The accommodation, originally built in 1982 began the redevelopment process, planning and fundraising in 2012, so this has been a long time coming!
The property consists of three buildings, two group homes and 4 independent living units. I want to thank the staff at Hartley Lifecare for the guided tour through the buildings to see the accommodation, including the colourful feature walls in each bedroom chosen by the intended occupants. There was much excitement from those who were going to be living in the new places.
Final update on the Gungahlin JESC!
And finally, if you have been following the story on my Facebook feed, the JESC is open! What a palaver, which could all have been avoided if they had completed the rebuilt as promised two or more years ago. This government is tired and out of contact with reality, something I am hearing over and over again from members of our Police and Emergency Services. I am looking forward to October, I hear there is a lot of appetite for change. Let’s get this done!
Budget ACT 2024-25
And next week is budget week. The government has already flagged a number of initiatives for the upcoming budget, including a new recycling facility, and community infrastructure upgrades. Why do these initiatives always happen in the lead up to the election. They could just do them as a matter of good government.
The government has also promised to fund PACER (Police, Ambulance & Clinician Early Response) team for another four years, something I have been fighting for in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, many organisations, across my portfolio areas have requested much needed funding to continue to provide their services to the ACT Community. You can be sure I will be following up these matters in the Assembly next week.
Let me know what you think, I would love to hear your thoughts on these matters and anything else you wish to chat to me about.
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Authorised by James Milligan MLA