Released 25/07/2017
Joint media release: Shane Rattenbury MLA and Mick Gentleman MLA
Formalising consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons on place names, and improved information sharing to support energy efficiency are two of the changes included in an amendment introduced into the Assembly today by Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman.
The Bill introduced in the Assembly today proposes amendments to the Public Place Names Act 1989 that formalises consultation processes with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups on the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander words in place names in the ACT. This amendment is necessary due to the previous consultation body, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), ceasing to exist.
“Following the closure of ATSIC, we have been consulting with various local groups on an informal basis to ensure that we hear the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons on the use of their vocabulary in ACT place names.”
“Words are taken from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups from around Australia and we want to make sure that those groups have the opportunity to have their say on how their words and names are used,” Minister Gentleman said.
An amendment to the Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012 also proposed in the bill will expand the ability of the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) manager to share information with both the Commonwealth and other states and territories Governments. The change aims to limit the possibility of the double-counting of abatement activities between schemes.
“The EEIS is delivering good outcomes for ACT energy consumers and the environment. This change will ensure it continues to be effective and compliance powers in the Act are adequate.
“The Act already has the power to share information with some agencies in other jurisdictions. This amendment will enable the sharing of information with all relevant agencies,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
Minister for Climate change and sustainability, Shane Rattenbury said the EEIS requires electricity re-tailers to achieve energy savings in households and small-to-medium enterprises.
“Over 1,200,000 energy saving items have been installed in over 76,000 households, saving over 685,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
“This amendment to the Energy Efficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012 will expand the ability of the EEIS Administrator to share information with the Clean Energy Regulator and other agencies to ensure no double counting occurs in energy efficiency schemes, such as the Emissions Reduction Fund,” Minister Rattenbury concluded.
The bill will be debated in the Legislative Assembly in May.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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