MEDIA RELEASE

Inquiry on environmental volunteerism

The Chair of the Standing Committee on Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, today tabled the Committee’s report on its inquiry into environmental volunteerism.

The Committee received a broad range of submissions and held two public hearings, hearing from a number of groups including the ACT Government, volunteer groups and the Dhawura Ngunnawal Caring for Country Committee.

The Committee’s report made 22 recommendations covering a broad range of issues, including opportunities to facilitate environmental volunteerism in the ACT, policy and regulatory settings that may impede the work of volunteer organisations, and Indigenous Care for Country.

Dr Marisa Paterson MLA said, ‘The ACT is very fortunate to have a strong culture of environmental volunteerism. Volunteers contribute greatly to the scientific, ecological, and social wellbeing of the Territory, and we thank all those who contributed to the Committee’s inquiry.’

The Committee’s report is available on the Assembly’s webpage at https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/parliamentary-business/in-committees/recent-reports.

Under the Assembly’s standing orders, the Government is required to respond to committee reports within four months of tabling.

22 November 2022

STATEMENT ENDS.

Committee Chair, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA on (02) 6205 1448

A/g Committee Secretary, Kate Mickelson on (02) 6205 0199 or at LACommitteeECCB@parliament.act.gov.au