Roger Jaensch,Minister for Climate Change
The Tasmanian Liberal Government looks forward to delivering our plan for climate change, marine resources, our recycling sector, and TasTAFE when Parliament resumes this week for the final sitting week of 2021.
Since early this year, our climate change legislation and target have been under independent review, including being subject to detailed economic and emissions modelling, and significant consultation with industry, business and the community.
With strong support for Tasmania to be more ambitious on climate change, this week we will be tabling the Climate Change (State Action) Amendment Bill 2021 in Parliament - delivering on our election commitment to finalise the consultation on the new climate change act and target and introduce it to Parliament this year.
This Bill will legislate a nation-leading target of net zero emissions from 2030 and will guide our Government's action on climate change over coming years.
The Tasmanian Government also looks forward to progressing the Living Marine Resources Management Act (Aquaculture Research) Bill 2021 which will enable marine aquaculture research in Commonwealth Waters adjoining Tasmanian State Waters.
This new framework will allow for research projects in Commonwealth Waters, adjoining Tasmanian State Waters, initially by the Blue Economy CRC, across a number of finfish, shellfish and seaweed species.
Tasmania is leading the way under the National Aquaculture Strategy, following our agreement with the Australian Government as the first step towards a potential future industry that benefits Tasmanians.
Importantly, it is intended that any marine aquaculture research would only be for fixed-term, limited-scale activities and in a defined research area.
In the Legislative Council, listed for debate is vital legislation to deliver our plan for TasTAFE which is all about ensuring we are delivering the training students need, where and when they need it, so they have the best possible opportunity to secure a job.
Despite scaremongering from the Labor Party, no TasTAFE staff member will be worse off; there will be no forced redundancies; and TasTAFE will not be privatised.
Not only will this reform address structural elements of TasTAFE's operations, but our plan for TasTAFE will also deliver on our 2021-22 Tasmanian Budget commitment of $98.6 million which will see the recruitment of 100 additional staff, the development of new facilities, equipment, and courses, and increase access for rural and regional areas.
Finally, our Container Refund Scheme Bill is listed for debate in the Legislative Council to establish Tasmania's first Statewide Container Refund Scheme where all Tasmanians will be able to return containers for a 10c refund. When passed, the Scheme will reduce litter, increase recycling and create opportunities for businesses, charities and community organisations right across Tasmania.
There is no doubt the 2021 Parliamentary year has seen significant reform. We went to the election, made promises to deliver a plan to secure Tasmania's future and set down ambitious timeframes which we've delivered. We've done exactly what we said we would, and the final sitting week will be no different.
