27 June 2013
Since our first “Your Greens in State Parliament” on 14 June 2013 state parliament has sat a further 6 days, finishing on the 27th of June. We now move into the 6 week winter break and will resume parliament again on the 6th of August.
Coastal Bill 2013
On June 20 Lynn tabled her private member’s bill, Climate Change Readiness Coastal Planning and Protection) 2013. The Bill, originally introduced in the last Parliament, has been updated to reflect the latest practices of coastal planners and in response to more feedback from WALGA. This major effort by Lynn’s office has delivered proposed cutting edge legislation to address a critical issue, how to prepare our coastal cities and undeveloped environments for storm surges, flooding and sea level rise.
Developments such as the canal-style marina at Point Peron would not be permitted, though some development would be allowed to occur in vulnerable areas, provided it meets certain criteria. The Bill was developed through extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, from local government councillors to geomorphologists. Details of the Bill, the explanatory memorandum and Second Reading speech are on the Parliament website here.
Motion to Protect Forests
Also on June 20 Robin put forward a motion on “Protection of Western Australia’s South West Forests” this was in support of the Scientists’ Statement. This debate has no voting aspect to it and lapses at the end of the time allocation but it enabled us to have a debate on this important issue. The debate can be downloaded here.
During these 6 days we have been debating, the Supply Bill 2013, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre Amendment Bill 2013, Duties Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 and we have debated and concluded the debate on the Natural Gas (Canning Basin Joint Venture) Agreement Bill 2013 a bill which we opposed and which saw our first division, this saw two strong-willed Greens standing firm against the fraccing industry and its support by the Labor, National and Liberal parties. The debate can be downloaded here.
These Bills have been introduced and read a first time in the Legislative Council and await debate when Parliament returns in August are:
Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) amendment Bill 2013
Restraining Orders Amendment Bill 2013
Climate Change Readiness (Coastal Planning and Protection) Bill 2013
Insurance Commission of Western Australia Amendment Bill 2013
City of Fremantle and Town of East Fremantle Trust Funds (Amendment and Expiry) Bill 2013
Criminal Code Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2013
The details of upcoming Bills can be found here:
The Explanatory Memorandums for these Bills are available by clicking on the above links.
