Welcome to the latest edition of Clark Matters, Andrew’s monthly email newsletter to help keep you abreast of federal politics and what he’s been up to.
Bondi Beach terrorist attack
The people of the Clark electorate joined the rest of Australia in condemning the horrific attack at Bondi Beach. Our hearts go out to the Australian Jewish community, and in particular to everyone touched by the barbaric assault.
The attack was also an affront to the broader Australian community who are shocked, and distressed, that something so wicked and hateful would happen in our successful multicultural nation. The heroism of those people who ran towards the danger to save others shines a light on the real character of this country.
Andrew is obviously deeply concerned by the rise of antisemitism in Australia, and is acutely aware of all aspects of the public discussion about this alarming trend. He is also aware of all sides of the debate about firearm laws. He believes that the Federal Government and state governments must act quickly and decisively to understand what happened and how to prevent it happening again. Andrew is open-minded about exactly how we respond and would need to see details of any proposals before he could form a view about them.
Environmental law reform
Australia finally has new environment protection laws. After proposing amendments, which weren’t supported by the Federal Government or Opposition, Andrew initially voted against the reforms in the House of Representatives because they didn’t do what was needed to stop and reverse environmental destruction. However, he was eventually supportive of the changes that were negotiated to pass the laws in the Senate.
While the package remains far from perfect, there is now at least some greater protection for the environment and, of particular interest for Tasmania, for forests specifically. Ensuring the Environment Minister can’t approve something with a clearly unacceptable environmental impact, and ruling out expedited approvals for fossil fuels, were also welcome steps forward.
Of course, Andrew would have much preferred the reforms included a genuinely independent environment protection agency, proper recognition of climate impacts in the assessment and approval process, and better consultation and engagement standards for First Nations peoples and local communities. These are changes he will keep pushing for to ensure our national environmental laws provide strong protection for the environment and strong protections from vested interests.
The good in us
As the year draws to a close, it’s worth remembering that there is actually much to celebrate in the community. Andrew sees this every day, for instance the workers and volunteers in the not-for-profit sector providing services, support and hope for people who are disadvantaged. And the countless members of the community who look out for others and help where they can. Almost all these people fly below the radar and are never recognised, let alone find themselves on an Order of Australia list, even though they’re every bit as deserving as those who do.
Singling out organisations and people is fraught because even a long list just scratches the surface. But it includes everyone from the couple who’ve established affordable accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence to the group setting up a toy bank, from Tassie Mums, who provide essential goods for mums in need, to the Community Houses and the men’s, veterans’ and community sheds.
Good on you. The very best wishes of the season to you all, and see you again after Andrew’s office reopens on Monday 5 January.
Yours sincerely
