[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: A greener government one year on

[Jaques, Alison]

Please find attached media release from ACT Greens Member for Molonglo, Shane Rattenbury MLA.

MEDIA RELEASE
Shane Rattenbury MLA, ACT Greens Member for Molonglo

5 November 2013

A greener government one year on

On the anniversary of his first year as a Minister in the ALP-Greens ACT Government, Shane Rattenbury has reflected on the role he has played both as a minister and as a Greens Member of the Assembly.

"It's been an interesting and challenging year in many ways," said Mr Rattenbury.

"While it's actually an incredibly successful way of operating, people are still challenged by the notion that a Minister who comes from a different political party can work effectively with other members of Government.

"This year has shown that not only can it work, it actually brings many benefits both to government and to the community.

"When decisions are being made in Cabinet, there are representatives from two political parties at the table - that's an extra perspective on the questions at hand, which means extra value for the people of the ACT.

"It's part of the reason that I accepted a ministry in the first place; to try and have a progressive green influence on the decisions of government.

"On the back of a comprehensive Parliamentary Agreement, which includes a suite of policies to be implemented, I am pleased with what the Greens and the Government have achieved so far.

"The Greens commitment to light rail has ensured the Capital Metro project is now firmly underway, putting us on a path to a sustainable transport system and increased economic and development opportunities.


"I'm also pleased with the Common Ground project, which will establish accommodation for up to 40 individuals or couples who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.


"The Greens have made legislative changes to allow the community to better challenge government decisions and we will soon move legislation to improve freedom of information.

"We have introduced legislation to outlaw factory farming practices in the ACT and appointed a Commissioner for Standards for the Assembly to allow for better scrutiny of Government.

"The Greens instigated an enquiry into vulnerable road users to improve the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists. The inquiry will gather evidence from the community and experts, and examine best practice approaches to protect and encourage vulnerable road users.

"Another key initiative of the ACT Greens in the Parliamentary Agreement was increased funding for park rangers and biodiversity which will improve restoration of Canberra's woodlands, parks and nature reserve, including conservation monitoring, with a focus on Canberra Nature Park and threatened grasslands.

"Two new park ranger positions were appointed earlier this year, including a new Parkcare Ranger position and continued funding for the Indigenous Ranger position.  A further three rangers will be appointed in 2015-16.

"The policies outlined in the Agreement reflect the core policies and commitments the Greens took to the election and I am committed to delivering on these commitments and helping Canberra become a more sustainable and vibrant city, supporting those in the community who are most in need and protecting the natural landscape upon which Canberra is designed," said Mr Rattenbury.


Statement ends


Ali Jaques | Media Adviser to Shane Rattenbury MLA
ACT Greens Member for Molonglo
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services; Corrections; Housing;
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; and Ageing.

t:  (02) 6205 3897 | m:  0481 035 764| alison.jaques at act.gov.au<mailto:alison.jaques at act.gov.au> |

Follow Shane on  Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/#!/shanerattenburymla> and Twitter<https://twitter.com/#!/ShaneRattenbury>




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