2019-01-05
By Hon. Tim Clifford, MLC for East Metropolitan
I am thrilled that finally the McGowan government finally bowed under public pressure and has committed to implementing a climate change policy. This was shortly after the Treasurer came out publicly and ruled out a state based climate change policy.
I have spent most of my term pestering the government to do just this. Greens voters and volunteers, community groups, one and all have been up in arms about this government’s lack of action on climate change and I thank every one of you who has contributed. Even thought I feel like we have dragged the State government kicking and screaming, I’m thrilled the government has finally acknowledged the need for a state based climate change policy.
I will continue to work with the government to ensure the policy includes concrete targets that will actively reduce emissions.
Admittedly our celebrations were soured by the government’s recent decision to reopen the state to fracking. Fracking will undoubtedly compromise any climate change policy and seriously undermines the government’s legitimacy.
The East Metro region is a diverse and incredibly large area 
geographically. It is important to me that I am able to connect and engage with my constituents – not just those in the ‘safe’ green areas. In November I moved our office to a park in Armadale. I was joined by Simone Collins, Greens candidate for Burt who lives locally. We were able to connect with the Armadale community and hear from locals about what matters to them. A number of community leaders came along and shared their stories and views about Armadale. It was motivating to hear directly from people and I will be doing more of these around my electorate.
This month I went along to learn about how Vancouver as a city has embraced and encouraged cycling so that now cycling as a mode of transport is the norm and an event hosted by Bike Hub. I was struck by what could possible if government was willing to be a little more courageous. Through simple planning modifications such as adding dedicated bike lanes, the city has been transformed. In Vancouver city, 50 per cent of journeys are made on bike, by foot or public transport.
I was also encouraged by the work of the City of Gosnells who have been championing the use of electric bikes as an alternative mode of travelling to work through providing electric bikes for employees. In what was a month of cycling activities, I also I spent a morning volunteering at Dismantle, where I was able to meet a bunch of amazing and inspiring group of people who are using bikes to help build better lives for young and disadvantaged people.
Looking back on the year I realise how much support has been provided to me by community and volunteers. Everyone gives in the amount that they can; and it is an honour to receive that help. Over the last year we have had hundreds of supporters contribute to our work which has shone a light on important issues in the East metro region and beyond. I would like to send a special thanks to the regular volunteers who have worked with my office throughout the year. I am very grateful to every one that has helped to make this year so successful. If I am the face of the Greens for the East Metro region, every one of you that has helped are the legs that power this great movement forward, the arms that hold us together and the backbone that holds us up and to our principles. Thank you one and all.
Header photo: Tim Clifford and Simone Collins at Armadale Open Office event. Grace Turco