2023-10-26
Today the ACT Government has agreed to a longstanding policy of the ACT Greens, to enshrine the right to a healthy environment in law.
“The ACT Government today tabled a bill to make the ACT the first Australian jurisdiction to recognise a healthy environment as a human right,” said Jo Clay, ACT Greens Member for Ginninderra.
“The Right to a Healthy Environment will ensure Canberrans have the right to clean air, a safe climate, healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
“This is essential if we want healthy and sustainably produced food, clean water and a healthy planet. Many of us are looking ahead anxiously at the summer to come. The fires already burning remind us of Black Summer and the devastation, the smoke and the fear that came with it. It is more important than ever to protect our environment.
“The ACT was the first Australian state or territory to have a Human Rights Act. We will soon become the first to have a right to a healthy environment.
“The UN passed a resolution at the end of 2021 on the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
“An overwhelming majority of United Nations Member States already recognise this right, including the United Kingdom, France, the Philippines and Colombia. But no Australian State or Territory has a right to a Healthy Environment.
“The ACT Greens were really pleased to take the Right to a Healthy Environment to the 2020 ACT Election, and to see this commitment in the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement. We were pleased when the Assembly agreed to my motion in February last year to enshrine this right in law. I’m delighted to see today’s bill.
“As the most progressive jurisdiction in Australia, it’s time for the ACT to once again lead the way when it comes to caring for our environment,” said Jo Clay.
This initiative progresses a commitment of the Parliamentary Agreement of the 10th Legislative Assembly by the ACT Labor-Greens Government.