Looking back on 2022, and forward to 2023! Ft. Shane Rattenbury MLA

As 2022 comes to a close, I think the Greens in Government can look back in pride at what we’ve accomplished this year.

I’m particularly struck by the translation of ACT Greens policies and promises into real action in the ACT - a great testament to the Greens’ efforts here in the ACT to work as Ministers in a power sharing Government.  Just a couple of examples just from my own Ministerial portfolios, for example:

- We’re charging ahead on EVs. We have set targets for the end of internal combustion engines and generous incentives to promote their uptake. And it’s working with EV sales really starting to take off here in recent months.

- We’ve secured government agreement to end the use of fossil fuel gas in the ACT and to electrify the city. This nation leading work is crucial to reaching zero net emissions, tackling climate change and making the ACT an exemplar sustainable city.

- We’re leading more nation leading reforms to strengthen the protection of tenants in rental housing by putting an end to “no-cause evictions” and setting new minimum standards for energy efficiency in rental properties. Tenants will have better security, more comfortable and safe housing, as well as energy bill relief.

As we look forward to 2023 we will be raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12, and eventually 14 as we set about removing children from the criminal justice system.

We also have a lot of exciting work to do delivering on our climate strategies.

And there is so much more, both that we’ve achieved, and that we will achieve in coming years!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us in the past year. I hope you all have a merry festive season and I look forward to working with you in the new year!