OPPOSITION Leader Elizabeth Lee is expected to break tradition by using her first Budget reply speech to seek common ground with the ACT government on climate change.
In an excerpt of her speech, seen by “CityNews” ahead of its delivery this afternoon (February 11), Ms Lee will outline a desire to work with the government on issues such as climate change policy.
“We have found so much common ground in tackling climate change here in the ACT, and I am very proud of the Canberra Liberals’ strong commitment to preserving our environment,” she will say.
“It was a Canberra Liberals government that was the first state or territory government in Australia to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol.
“As shadow minister for the environment, I was proud to support efforts to reduce our emissions and lead the way in innovative ways to generate renewables.
“And it’s time to go beyond targets and work with industry and our higher education institutions to embark on the next part of our journey on climate action.”
Tapping into parents’ concerns about the welfare of their children, Ms Lee will also use her speech to call upon the ACT government to commit to removing hazardous material from Canberra schools by the end of the semester.
“Will the government support my call today of a commitment that by the end of this semester, every school in Canberra is a safe learning environment to give our parents peace of mind; our teachers and school staff a safe place to work; and our children the best possible start in life,” she will say.
Ms Lee will also acknowledge her experience as a Korean migrant, and how it has shaped her direction, and will shape her agenda as opposition leader.
“Canberra isn’t just a city, it isn’t just a community, it is a place of hope; a place where a young migrant girl could realise her dreams,” she will say.
The Liberals leader is also expected to use her speech to position herself as a champion of those “left behind” by the policies of the Labor/Greens government.
“Canberrans are being held back,” she will say.
“Every fibre of my being for the next four years will be devoted to fighting for those that are being left behind by this government.”
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