“We recognise that the global economic crisis and its impacts across Australia has put the ACT in a challenging situation, where some years of deficit are inevitable” Mr Rattenbury said today.

“Like other economies, the ACT will need to make some adjustments.  And that’s when the timing of initiatives in the Greens-ALP Agreement, and the way we handle priorities, become the issue.”

“Some of the best minor capital works we can get started on, in the February stimulus package, are green projects that quickly create green jobs and industry. Retrofitting energy inefficient homes is one clear example of the right kind of project.”

“We shouldn’t forget how this financial crisis came about: a focus on short-term profit by the richest parts of the global community.  Everyone now recognises that it is time for new thinking.

“That’s why the Greens-ALP Agreement is a commitment to building a green economy for the future and to strengthening the community sector.”

“We support taking a calm and sensible approach to the challenge of the next few budgets, but the direction we need to move in is still clear.”

“Finally, we are pleased to see that this new minority government is consulting the ACT community on the 2009/10 budget. The Greens urge people to get involved in that process. And, given the ACT Government’s shrinking income, to think about revenue as well as expenditure” Mr Rattenbury said.

“The $1.2 billion in the Federal Government’s homelessness package announced this week is very welcome, but it is focussed too much at the crisis end,” Ms Bresnan said today.

“We need a one stop shop, integrating mental health, drug and alcohol, employment, legal and other services.  Basically, those necessary services that can help people at risk of homelessness to remain in their homes.

“Mental illness is a factor in as much as 75% of homelessness cases in Australia, but it’s not clear that there is an appropriate recognition of that in this package.

“The other ingredient for longer term housing solutions, is an increase our stock of social, including public, housing.

“But, while some of the Commonwealth money is to increase the supply social housing, we don’t know if any of that will result in additional funding for the ACT.

“The ALP Greens agreement includes a goal of 10% public housing in the ACT. We would like to see some of this Commonwealth investment used to help us reach that goal.

“But we don’t yet know what this really means for the ACT. National initiatives sometimes deliver a lot less in practice than at first appears.  And we understand a new funding formula will be introduced next year, which could result in less rather than more money coming to the ACT in any event.

“It’s fantastic to see this kind of commitment and focus from the Federal Government but details that are still missing” Ms Bresnan said.

Senator Christine Milne and MLA Shane Rattenbury spoke to the crowd, calling this the start of the ‘people’s movement on climate change’. Senator Milne said that this rally would be the first of many in the lead up to the 2010 election, which would be a ‘referendum on climate change’.

MLA Shane Rattenbury pointed to the enquiry being conducted in the ACT, which would lead to a legislated target of at least 30% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 in the territory as the sorts of actions that need to be taken across the country to address serious climate change.

[Show as slideshow]

“the Government is pleased to suggest it understands how serious the climate change threats is, but is patently unable to bridge the gap between that understanding and action” Mr Rattenbury said.

“The Australian government understands that the world needs a reduction of about 25% in greenhouse emissions by the year 2020 if natural wonders of the world such as our great barrier reef are to survive. But it isn’t even prepared to show the world that such a reduction is imaginable.”

“Kevin Rudd has failed to heed the scientific advice given to him. He has failed the test of leadership, and instead surrendered in the fight against climate change. Rather than protecting Australians from a climate change future, Kevin Rudd has given in to the big polluting industries.”

“All talk and no action appears to be the tragic reality of the Rudd government’s approach. And for so many Australians, who saw Howard’s end last year as a moment of hope, those hopes have now been dashe” Mr Rattenbury said.

“This Bill will address issues in the act, to make sure that the sham consultation of 2006 can not be repeated,” Ms Hunter said today.

“There will be clear timeframes outlined which will allow better consultation and assessment of the facts, which will lead to better process and decisions being made.

“To begin with, this Bill will go to the Education Committee to incorporate community advice on how to best consult with school communities.

“One of the greatest frustrations of the 2006 process was Government, with their minds already made up, heading out to listen to concerns, only to ignore them.

“To address this, the Bill states that the Minister must explain to the school community how the school community’s views have been taken into account in making the final decision.

“Communities form around schools, and we need to think long-term about how to maintain the education services that communities want and develop better processes for when demographics change,” Ms Hunter said.

“It’s not surprising that this event gets bigger every year, as more and more people are recognising the challenge climate change presents,” Ms Le Couteur said.

“People are making a strong statement that we need action, and Canberra has the opportunity to be a world leader in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability.”

“The Greens in the Assembly will be working for a Green New Deal to both stimulate growth in the green economy and significantly reduce our carbon emissions here in the ACT.”

The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Pozan, Poland is currently under way. Ms Le Couteur endorsed the words of IPCC chair Rajendra Pachauri:

“We need a new ethic by which every human being realises the importance of the challenge and starts to take action through changes in lifestyle and attitude”

“Every country in the world has to be committed to a shared vision and a set of common goals and actions…[to] help us move toward a much lower level of emissions.”

“As citizens of ACT, and the world we need to show our fellow citizens, govt and other organisations that we share Rajendra Pachauri’s view and urge them to take action now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms Le Couteur said.

Come along for a fun filled night of great questions, games and prizes, including movie tickets, wine and great Green gifts!

Details:
When: Friday 12th December – 7pm
Where: Majura Community Centre – Rosevear Pl, Dickson

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for student/concession. Bookings can be made for individuals or for tables of up to 10 people.

Drinks and nibbles will be provided.

Bookings are essential! To book call 6247 6305 or e-mail office@act.greens.org.au

“The commitment made in the Greens-ALP Agreement to bring the implementation forward to 1 March 2009, will make the ACT a National leader in home Solar energy policy,” Mr Rattenbury said today.

“This is good news to many Canberrans that have already invested in Solar panels.”

“It also sends the message to those considering solar power for their homes that feed-in laws are on their way very soon.”

“We also want to see the Government’s Draft Interim Energy Policy issued next month for community input.”

“Canberra is well positioned to lead the way on practical solutions to climate change.” Rattenbury said.