Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That—

(a)   the Senate notes the significant natural resource management and conservation challenges faced by Australia; and

(b)   the following matters be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee for inquiry and report by 27 November 2008:

(i)   the lessons learned from the successes and failures of three decades of Commonwealth investment in resource management including Landcare, the National Heritage Trust, the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, and other national programs,

(ii)   how we can best build on the knowledge and experience gained from these programs to capitalise on existing networks and projects, and maintain commitment and momentum among land-holders,

(iii)   the overall costs and benefits of a regional approach to planning and management of Australia’s catchments, coasts and other natural resources,

(iv)   the need for a long-term strategic approach to natural resource management (NRM) at the national level,

(v)   the capacity of regional NRM groups, catchment management organisations and other national conservation networks to engage land managers, resource users and the wider community to deliver on-the-ground NRM outcomes as a result of the recent changes to funding arrangements under the new Caring for our Country program, and

(vi)   the extent to which the Caring for our Country program represents a comprehensive approach to meeting Australia’s future NRM needs.

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I rise on a point of order. It is unusual to have a situation where there is no opposition duty minister in the chamber. I am pleased that, by raising this point of order, I have given an opportunity for Senator Ellison to come into the chamber to assist the acting Opposition Whip. This does provide an opportunity for you to perhaps put this question again, as I slowly complete what I think is an important point of order that I hope you are going to, in your wisdom, find considerable favour with.

Alan Ferguson (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Faulkner. You are very generous. The question is that Senator Siewert’s motion be agreed to.

Question agreed to.