Laurie Ferguson (Reid, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Urban Development and Consumer Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The project is based on principles of triple bottom line—that is, building social capital, environmental sustainability and financial responsibility. I gather that the member for Scullin knows a little bit about it. The building also seeks to reduce energy consumption by 60 per cent, reduce water consumption by half, use low-toxic, recyclable or renewable materials and reduce waste to landfill by 60 per cent.

In conclusion, there is increased interest in this matter. The previous speaker professed to hope that Brisbane could become a national centre for this, and we are quite well aware of the conference held earlier this year. Obviously, this is another front where, if Australia is not active, innovative or inventive, the technologies will disappear overseas, as we have found on so many fronts over the last decade in the abuse of energy and living conditions.

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