state platform 2009

8/3/2019 State Platform 2009

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Authorised by John DowlingLevel 2, 63 Salamanca place, Hobart, TAS 7000


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Authorised by John Dowling, 2/63 Salamanca place, Hobart, TAS 7000

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Contents

Forward: John Dowling, State Secretary 3

Chapter 1: A Statement of Labors Beliefs 4

Chapter 2: Education and Training 7

Chapter 3: Health, women and youth 9

Chapter 4: Resource management and development 24

Chapter 5: Government and infrastructure 39

Chapter 6: Cultural and heritage 54

Chapter 7: Community, human and transport services 59

Appendix 1: Achievements in government and 81infrastructure policy

Appendix 2: Achievements in community, human and 87transport services policy

Notes 96


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Forward

The Australian Labor Party Tasmanian Branch State Platformis a constantly evolving statement of principles and policy,underpinned by enduring Labor values.

This State Platform, most recently updated at the 2009 StateConference, held in Hobart, July 25-26 sets out the currentand future policy framework for the ALP Tasmanian Branch.

The platform in 2009 has developed through our six policyissue committees, which make up the chapters of thisplatform. They include Education and training, Health,women and youth, Resource management and development,Government and infrastructure, Cultural and heritage andCommunity, human and transport services. The policy committees, consisting of rank andfile party members, meet regularly throughout the year and discuss and develop policystatements that define the Australian Labor Party.

All policy platform committees are directed by policy motions introduced and voted on bydelegates at our annual State Conference and therefore represent the direct policy ideasof all our members. The 2009 State Platform is then endorsed by the state Conference

through a democratic deliberation of our party membership.

The State Platform in 2009 provides party members with a clear direction of the future ofthe ALP Tasmanian Branch. It is a socially and economically progressive policy and isfundamentally underpinned by the founding socialist thinking that unites us all as Laborparty members.

I encourage all members and supporters to help directly shape the future policy directionof our party and to continue to contribute to the State Platform in the future.

John Dowling

State Secretary


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Chapter 1: A Statement of Labors Beliefs

Preamble1 This document affirms the fundamental beliefs, values and aspirations of the Australian

Labor Party, Tasmania Branch as stated in the Objectives of its Constitution.

2 The ALP is constituted by a widely representative community of interest framed inaccordance with the belief that it is a fundamental right of Australians to belong to thepolitical organisation of their choice. This right to freedom of association is a critical tenet ofAustralian democracy, which exemplifies the aims and aspirations of the ALP.

3 The ALP has historically been the main voice through which such rights have been securedin Australia. The ALP will continue to be at the forefront of this process, in strengthening

and reinforcing existing rights, in the elimination of discrimination and inequity, and inextending standards of peace and justice to all.

4 The ALP has as its central goal the political and social task of ensuring that all members ofthe community are afforded dignity and fairness, by government, by the legal process andby each one to another. In this way, the ALP gives effect to its democratic socialistfoundations and principles in a way which is contemporary and relevant in achieving itspolitical and social values of equality, democracy, liberty and social cooperation. In doingso, the ALP emphasises the importance to Australia of a pluralist and multicultural societywith mutually strong and complementary public and private sectors.

5 The ALP therefore recognises and endorses the mixed economic system which prevails in

Australia, where both the public and private sectors contribute to economic and socialactivity through the provision of a variety of goods and services. It recognises that there areinherited and established imbalances and believes that market forces left to their owndevices deliver inordinate economic power and influence into the hands of a few. The ALPbelieves that there is a need for strategic intervention by government in the economic life ofsociety to redress individual and community imbalances, whether based on disadvantage ordiscrimination, or where market forces alone fail to provide equity and accessibility. In thisrespect, the relevance of a democratic socialist party in the contemporary national andglobal system concerns the pursuit of social justice and its accompanying goals of fullemployment and poverty eradication. This demands that government be appropriatelyinterventionist and regulatory in order to ensure that individual enterprise and private capitalinvestment occurs alongside equal access to opportunity, environmental protection,necessary labour rights, and benchmark welfare entitlements.

6 The ALP recognises that to deliver these benefits, fundamental changes to institutionalstructures and processes may be necessary. The ALP believes that this requires a fairdistribution of resources and opportunities, which balance competing community objectivesand individual needs.

7 In striving to achieve a just and tolerant society, in which the rights of individuals arenurtured and protected and basic life needs met, the ALP commits itself to the mutualachievement of three objectives:

An active pursuit of policies and measures to achieve the fundamental principles ofsocial justice, with particular regard to the more disadvantaged and disenfranchisedwithin the community;


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An active partnership between government and the community, based on mutualunderstanding, consultation on areas of public interest, and on developing the inherentstrengths of local communities; and

An active government willing to respond to public needs and to fostering the realisationof individual aspirations, based on open and accountable decision-making, and fairand equitable fiscal and resource management.

Principles of social justice

8 It is the ALPs commitment to facilitating the realisation of the potential and aspirations of allmembers of the community, and its view that government has a rightful and important role inpromoting the achievement of that realisation, that sets the ALP apart from other politicalgroups. This is also the core from which policy must be developed.

9 The view of the ALP is that the principle of equal opportunity for all members of thecommunity must be observed in relation to every policy position of the ALP, and to everydecision of the ALP in government. The ALP believes that all members of the communityare entitled, and must be able, to access the resources of the state, whether thoseresources be community property, community services or community assistance. The ALPwill strive to ensure that a central focus in government will be to implement an integratedequity strategy which allocates public resources and delivers public services according tothe fundamental social justice principles of equity, access, participation and fairness.

10 The ALP believes that it is inappropriate and improper to favour the views of any sectionalinterest in society to the detriment of the broader community interest. The ALPacknowledges that this also requires measures to redress social and economic inequity, and

is committed to empowering and assisting groups who are disadvantaged through reasonsof age, culture, economic circumstances, gender, race, religion or sexuality.

Principles of community partnership

11 The ALP believes that government policy is of little value without widespread communityunderstanding, participation and support, and will ensure that the community plays a role asa partner of government, just as government needs to be an integral part of the community.An ALP government will work to build a spirit of co-operation with all members and sectionsof the Tasmanian community.

12 The ALP believes that the spirit of helping each other by co-operative effort is essential toenriching community life where individuals can pursue their goals in harmony with the rest ofthe community. In particular, the ALP is committed to developing a co-operative spirit atneighbourhood and community levels. The ALP rejects the assumption that narrowly basedself interest is the appropriate way to achieve these goals.

Principles of good government

13 A key difference between the ALP and other political parties is the philosophy adoptedregarding the role of government in meeting and nurturing society's expectations and needs.

The ALP believes that government plays a number of strategic and critical roles in planningand facilitating the overall social, environmental and economic objectives of the community.This occurs at three levels.


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14 First, it is government which is best able to provide the strategic leadership and longer termplanning needed to give effect to a vision for future society. Whilst the private sector has acritical role in the provision and delivery of goods and services which underpin social

expectations, government has the responsibility for setting the framework and mechanismsfor ensuring that those expectations are met.

15 Second, the ALP believes that government has a role in strategically managing and directlyfacilitating the achievement of these objectives, through the judicious allocation of publicresources and by ensuring an appropriate institutional and legislative framework and, wherenecessary, market regulation and management.

16 Third, the ALP believes that the decisions and actions of government must be relevant,transparent and accountable. This requires public consultation as a standard practice ofgood government, public disclosure of policy and fiscal decisions, and continued reform ofpublic institutions, including of the parliament itself.

17 In short, the ALP believes that the delivery of the fundamental social justice objectives in amarket economy can only be assured through government involvement and leadership,including strategic planning and regulation to meet social needs and in harnessing publicresources, and consultative, transparent and accountable government.

Tasmanian labors fundamental goals

18 On the basis of these principles, the ALP believes that there are basic human needs andrights that must be satisfied. These include the rights of all people to have access tosustenance, shelter, education, employment, health care, choice, a clean and healthy

environment, freedom and protection by the law. The ALP recognises that the economicenvironment is not unlimited to provide such services, and as such community resources, bethey in private or public hands, should be put to best use. The ALP believes that it is theduty of government to ensure that these services are accessible to all.

19 The ALP recognises the inter-relationship between social, economic and environmentalgoals. It believes that employment is as much a social right as an economic means, andthat it should be worthwhile and dignified. It recognises the responsibility to futuregenerations to care for the natural environment upon which all economic and social activityultimately depends.


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Chapter 2: Education & Technology

Principles of education

1 Education in Tasmania must nurture personal growth, innovation, creativity and values thatsustain democratic life and contribute to a productive and happy social democracy.Tasmanias future prosperity depends on a thriving education system producing a highlytrained, skilled and creative workforce serving the needs of industry and the widercommunity. Labor believes:

Education is a defining part of an individuals growth and self development;

Education is the way individuals can gain knowledge and skills;

Education is the keystone of a technologically capable society; and

Education is an investment in the productive capacity of the nation.

Labors beliefs define Labors goals.

Education is a defining part of an individuals growthand self development

2 Labor will provide integrated and affordable early learning and care that gives every child thebest possible start to their education. The education journey begins at birth and continuesfor life. There are no second class passengers on this journey.

3 Labor will provide clear pathways for academic, technical and work skill development.

4 Labor will support initiatives that enable Tasmanian workers to upgrade and extend theirwork skills through apprenticeships and training.

5 Labor will provide ongoing adult learning opportunities for all.

Education is the way individuals can gain knowledgeand skills

6 Labor will ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop sound literacy andnumeracy skills and effectively use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

7 Labor will seek to lift the learning outcomes of aboriginal children.

8 Labor will provide adequate resources to meet the needs of all children.

9 Labor will provide specialised support for all Tasmanian schools.


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10 Labor will develop flexible programs to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Education is the keystone of a technologicallycapable social democracy

11 Labor will promote the value of education and a shared sense of responsibility for educationamong students, the profession, parents and the wider community.

12 Labor will ensure that school reporting is clear and meaningful to all.

13 Labor will encourage community use of school facilities to develop social and learningnetworks.

14 Labor will strive for equity in access to learning opportunities available through ICT.

15 Labor will use the National Broadband Network strategy to enhance the educationalopportunities for all Tasmanians.

Education is an investment in the productive capacityof the nation

16 Labor will develop a skilled and creative workforce that serves the needs of industry and thewider community.

17 Labor will ensure that teacher training in Tasmania draws on current educational theory andpractice as well as the experience and expertise of the teaching profession in preparing ourfuture teachers for a career in education.

18 Labor will deliver adequate resourcing to provide for a highly qualified, productive and wellremunerated teacher workforce.

19 Labor will ensure the development of a balanced and challenging curriculum.

20 Labor will ensure that all Tasmanian students access stimulating and attractive educationalfacilities and environments.


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Chapter 3: Health, women & youth

Principles of health

1 Labor believes in an integrated Tasmanian health system which has the objective topromote health, to preserve health, to restore health when it is impaired and to minimisesuffering and distress, and to establish preventative health measures designed to maximisecommunity wellbeing.

2 Labor recognises that with an ageing population, increase rates of chronic disease andhealth inflation rising beyond general inflation there is a need to reform the health system toachieve better health outcomes.

3Labor will support the implementation of Tasmanias Health Plan to achieve equitable,accessible and sustainable health services. Within the Plans framework Labor will:

Ensure services are delivered through a state-wide approach as close as possible tolocal communities as long as they are safe and sustainable;

Ensure health services and programs are integrated into others areas of government;

Encourage research programs designed to improve health outcomes, particularlyfocussing on preventative health measures;

Require ongoing evaluation of existing health care services through comprehensivequality assurance and quality management programs; and

Consult with health service providers, consumers, and with local communities in thedevelopment and implementation of health policy.

Provision of healthcare services

4 Labor will promote the better coordination of acute care and primary care;

5 Labor will promote a close liaison between all tiers of government, government agencies,the voluntary sector, the community and the unions to assist policies to be implemented in acoordinated and effective manner

6 Labor will ensure all Tasmanians have access to health care either through the provision oflocal services or through provision of transport and accommodation support to the nearestsite where the required service can be provided safely and sustainably

Health promotion and education

7 Labor will support health education and preventative health measures in schools and thecommunity, which are aimed at preventing ill health, injury and promoting good health andwellbeing outcomes, particularly for children.


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Public health

8 Labor will provide the best possible legislative framework for delivery of public health

programs in Tasmania through the Public Health Act.

9 Labor will encourage further co-ordination and linkages between public health, localgovernment and local communities.

10 Labor will encourage public health campaigns in key areas such as lifestyle factors, whichinfluence health and wellbeing outcomes for example smoking, alcohol and obesity.

Dental health

11 Labor will ensure that adequate dental treatment is available to all holders of governmentconcession cards.

Community health services

12 Labor will encourage and promote the delivery of a flexible range of health servicesincluding nursing and specialist clinics in community settings or the home, provided theseservices can be delivered safely, effectively and efficiently. Labor will:

Ensure access to safe and sustainable health services for rural and regional areas andwork with the Commonwealth Government to encourage doctors, other health careprofessionals and allied health workers to practice/work in rural or isolated areas; and

Improve transport and accommodation support for people who are required to travel toreceive appropriate health care.

Hospital services

13 Labor will develop acute health services in line with Tasmanias Health Plan.

14 Labor will continue to support the States three major public hospitals.

15 Labor will look at innovative models for acute health care delivery in consultation withcommunities, medical and nursing staff.

16 Labor will provide opportunities for continuous training and career opportunities for all healthworkers.

17 Labor will ensure a high standard of ambulance services and other medical transportsupport is further developed and maintained

18 Labor will ensure access to safe and sustainable specialist medical services.


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Diagnosis, treatment and support; Care and health maintenance; Research; Monitoring and Surveillance; and Workforce development.

Aboriginal health

27 Labor will continue to support Aboriginal medical services and encourage the developmentof services with the Aboriginal community.

Mens health

28 Labor will continue to promote initiatives to improve outcomes in relation to mens healthwith a particular emphasis on preventative measures.

Sexual assault support services

29 Labor will ensure that Sexual Assault Services receive adequate funding to provideconsistent state-wide services including:

Crisis intervention services;

Counselling, support and advocacy services; Empowerment education; and Preventative education including financial counselling.

Sport, recreation and fitness

30 Labor believes sport, recreation and physical activity is essential for both physical andmental health and well-being and plays an important part in preventative health programs.The principal objective is to promote the development of a comprehensive, state-widesporting and recreational system that caters for and supports all sections of the community,

from participation programs to high performance sport.

31 Labor recognises that Government financial assistance for such systems is likely tocontribute to long-term cost savings in the provision of public health services.

32 Labor will ensure physical education and sport will be maintained as a fundamental activityin schools and within the community as a whole.

33 Labor will make every endeavour to ensure all members of the community have access tosport, recreation and physical activity opportunities, with particular attention to those groupswhose participation rates are traditionally low.

34 Labor will support the ongoing education and development of sport and recreation providersto improve the quality of experience offered to participants.


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35 Labor will ensure the provision of appropriate sport and recreation facilities, playing fieldsand equipment that meet community needs and encourage multi-purpose and shared use.

36 Labor will make available the expertise of sporting and recreation specialists to allcommunities through Sport and Recreation Tasmania.

37 Labor will provide support for community-focused programs that have been established toaddress barriers to participation in sport, recreation and physical activity.

38 Labor will ensure that adequate resources are available through Sport and RecreationTasmania to increase participation opportunities throughout the Tasmanian community.

39 Labor will co-ordinate available sporting, recreation and physical activity programs andfacilities offered to the community by voluntary, commercial and Government organisationsso that shared use of these facilities is maximised.

Tasmanian institute of sport

40 Labor will continue to support the Tasmanian Institute of Sport and encourage the Instituteto continue to develop programs for our leading athletes and provide the best possibleopportunity for them to pursue their goals while remaining in Tasmania.

41 Labor will support the Institute to remain at the forefront of advances in sport technology aspart of the national elite sports network.

Premiers physical activity council

42 Labor will provide ongoing support for the Premiers Physical Activity Council, recognisingthe key role it plays in the facilitation of projects and programs designed to develop healthierand more active communities. Labor will ensure that, as part of this ongoing commitment,government policies, strategies and programs reflect the aspirations and goals of thecouncil.

High quality sporting facilities

43 Labor will work with Sport and Recreation Tasmania and other relevant sport and recreationbodies to help ensure the upgrade of sporting facilities in addition to those already hostingnational and international events to meet adequate standards for both community and elitesport needs, with a focus on shared and multi-purpose.

Workforce health and wellbeing

44 Labor will co-operate closely with the trade union movement in seeking to have employersprovide occupational health and wellbeing programs for employees, with the aim of

increasing productivity.


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State and local government recreation strategic plan

45 Labor will develop, in conjunction with local government, a strategic plan to co-ordinate thework of state and local government in recreation development throughout the State.

Development of sport and recreation for people with adisability

46 Labor will give priority to the development of strong and representative community-basedorganisations at the state level that co-ordinate, promote and develop inclusive sport,recreation and physical activity opportunities for people with a disability.

Women

47 Labor believes women have the right to participate in society fully and without discrimination.Labors objective is to ensure that women are able to fully and equally participate in society politically, economically, socially to the full extent of their choice without fear ofdiscrimination or exclusion on the basis of gender, gender preference, marital status, orparenting responsibilities.

48 Labor recognises:

The continuing economic dependence of women is a barrier to the comprehensiverealisation of their human rights, and to the economic development of this country andstate;

The disadvantages which women face in education, training and subsequentemployment must be addressed if women are to participate fully in the economy;

The right of women to work and the value of womens unpaid work;

Barriers to womens full participation in the workforce and economic life must beremoved, including lack of child care, unequal access to employment, education andtraining, infrastructure and support and services, and inadequate retirement income;and

The need to formally monitor policy implementation as it relates to women.

49 Labor will:

Increase the number of women represented in public life, Parliaments, Ministries andwithin the Party;

Consult women (especially those who may be relatively socially or economicallymarginalised or disenfranchised within the community) to ensure their special needsare specifically identified and addressed, and to ensure they have a voice and havethe choice to participate in the decision-making process; and

Ensure womens access to education, training and employment programs to facilitate

their labour force re-entry, and increase opportunities for economic participationthrough self employment.


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Political Equality

50 Labor will:

Increase the representation of women in Parliament including, in elections involvingtwo or more positions, to at least 40% of elected positions;

Ensure that women represent at least 50% of government nominees on boards andcommittees;

Maintain and promote the use of a Womens Register; for appointment to Governmentboards and committees and provide governance training for women;

Maintain Women Tasmania as a central unit within the Department of Premier andCabinet, for the purposes of promoting womens full social and economic participation,and for ensuring that Government policies and programs are responsive to the needs

of women;

Maintain a Womens Consultative Council which represents the diversity of Tasmanianwomen to advise Government on the needs of women; and

Adequately resource the implementation and monitoring of anti-discrimination, equalemployment opportunity and affirmative action legislation;

Economic Independence

51 Labour affirms the rights of women to financial inclusion and full economic participation.Labor will:

Fund programs which provide opportunities for women to pursue self-employment(such as business mentoring and micro-credit programs for women);

Fund social and community enterprise programs to assist low income anddisadvantaged women participate in the economy;

Implement financial literacy training programs for women aimed at different life-stagesincluding younger women; and

Work with the Education Department and other educational institutions to develop aculture of entrepreneurship within Tasmanian schools, and communities.

Carers

52 Labor will:

Implement training programs in stress management techniques, self-awareness andself help as part of a caring for the carer strategy;

Include as part of this, training management strategies related to the condition of theindividual for whom they care;

Ensure the maintenance of communication networks and reliable information aboutavailable government services; and


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Increase opportunities for respite care.

Gender policy development53 Labor will ensure that policies relating to gender equity are incorporated in:

Staff recruitment, selection and promotion;

In-service and retraining provisions;

Provision of specialist support services;

System and school evaluation provisions;

Decision-making structures and processes; and

An annual status report to Parliament on the implementation of the above.

54 Labor will:

Provide equitable allocation of funds and facilities to girls;

Develop sex-integrated programs of physical education and sport through as much ofthe schooling system as possible;

Develop appropriate curricular and resource material for girls physical education andsport programs;

Emphasise the social, non-competitive aspects of sport and physical activity throughnew sport, modified sports and non-traditional activities with a view to educating

children in sound practices designed to ensure life-long maintenance of an optimumstandard of health;

Develop links between schools, school systems and the media to ensure thatachievements of girls in sport and new developments are effectively publicised; and

Train physical education specialists for primary schools.

Post compulsory schooling

55 Labor will fund the provision of training for teachers, particularly teachers involved in careers

education, to assist them to develop structures to encourage young women to: Be aware of the importance of optional subject choices to career options;

Continue their education beyond post compulsory schooling; and

Consider careers in science, engineering and information technology.

56 Labor will implement community education for women with special needs in relation toinformation technology, including indigenous women, those of non-English speakingbackground and women with a disability;

57 Labor will encourage and assist the development at the tertiary level of womens studies

programs and research focusing on womens needs and contributions; and


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58 Labor will encourage and assist tertiary institutions to implement policies to rectify the under-representation of women in senior teaching and research positions.

Vocational education and training59 Labor will ensure competency standards and accreditation processes recognise skills

acquired and used by women.

60 Labor will ensure the recognition of prior learning of women, particularly of women of non-English speaking backgrounds.

61 Labor will fund vocational education and training courses for women seeking to enter or re-enter the paid workforce.

62 Labor will fund the provision of programs, which encourage young women to enter non-traditional areas of work.

63 Labor will encourage the identification and removal of barriers, which restrict womensaccess to vocational education and training.

Employment and training64 Labor will introduce and resource an Affirmative Action program for women employees,

provide paid parental leave to its employees, provide unpaid long-term family leave to itsemployees, modify the State Government Superannuation scheme to accommodateworkers with interrupted work patterns, recognise needs of employees with familyresponsibilities and enact Equal Employment Opportunities Legislation.

65 Through Women Tasmania Labor will consider such issues as:

Occupational health and safety;

Non-English speaking background women in the workforce;

Isolated women;

Womens employment status;

Sexual harassment;

66 Labor will address the needs of long-term unemployed women and women returning to theworkforce, review State awards to remove discriminatory provisions, take steps to ensureequal pay for work of comparable value, introduce affirmative action programs for women toachieve equality in all areas of employment and training and provide infrastructure supportto women for enterprise development and recognise and celebrate their successes.

Adult education

67 Labor will seek to promote life-long learning through adult education, and new point andassess the needs of women with the purpose of removing barriers to their participation in

Adult Education.


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Social Equity

68Labor will: Maintain a policy focus on womens health;

Ensure that adequate breast screening and cervical cancer services are available towomen;

Ensure that women have access to appropriate family planning services;

Ensure that women have access to excellent pre-natal, birthing, neo-natal and postnatal services;

Introduce measures to improve nutrition, and health and well-being outcomes forwomen, including support services to resolve eating disorders; and

Work with media and community organisations to seek to promote images of womenas healthy active contributors to society, and to reduce images which lead to thesexual objectification of women.

Violence

69 Labor will:

Ensure accessible and equitable justice for women and their children;

Maintain a criminal justice system in which perpetrators are held accountable for theirbehaviour;

Ensure judicial officers, law enforcement personnel and other professionals within thelegal system have appropriate knowledge and expertise;

Design, implement and evaluate perpetrator treatment programs at the earliest whereviolence is emerging in a relationship, as well as for high risk offenders;

Ensure that services meet the needs of women and their children, throughstrengthening services and workforce capacity and increasing access to safeaccommodation;

Provide counselling and support services to children affected by family violence(recognising the significant impact family violence has on children;

Promote respectful relationships through building the capacity for preventioneducation, ensuring all children participate in respectful relationships education andsupporting effective parenting;

Provide leadership in building safe communities to ensure change is achieved andsustained, by focusing on prevention, strengthening community leadership awarenessand understanding, promoting positive male behaviours and enhancing women'seconomic independence; and

Provide state-wide sexual assault support services for women.


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Shelter

70 Labor will:

Ensure that women and children are provided with appropriate, secure and affordablehousing;

Support growth of the co-operative and co-housing sector to better meet the needs ofwomen, and in particular women with disabilities and senior women;

Ensure that residential tenancy legislation fairly balances the rights between ownersand tenants, with particular regard to the right of women and children to reside in safeand healthy accommodation;

Review planning laws to ensure that when constructing houses, regard is made toproviding related social infrastructure so as to create socially inclusive, family friendlysuburbs; and

Provide information on, and access to, the full range of housing and financial optionsincluding financial counselling.

Youth

71 Labor believes that young people are very important to the future of Tasmania. Laborsyouth objective is to provide all Tasmanian young people with the opportunities, whichensure that they may choose to remain in the state in order to reach their full potential.

72 Labor believes that the development of young people is best achieved in a community

context that shifts the focus from the specific problem-solving approach to a more holisticcommunity-oriented approach.

73 Labor believes successful communication with young people, both directly and through theirvarious representatives, is central to giving young people a strong voice in our communityand to achieving Labors youth strategy;

74 Labor recognises that todays youth face enormous problems and if young Tasmanians areto effectively participate in the community, we must actively address issues such asunemployment, family breakdown, drug and alcohol abuse and homelessness and the braindrain of young people leaving the state.

75Labor further recognises the importance of mentoring programmes in the development ofour young people and assisting them to reach their full potential;

76 Labor will:

Commit to the development and implementation of a comprehensive youth strategy forTasmania;

Consult with the youth sector and meet the identified challenges with a common senseapproach and grass roots-based solutions;

Provide adequate resources to meet the needs of the youth sector, in Government andnon-Government organisations, so that they can provide young people with strongrepresentation and assist in dealing with the problems of youth; and


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Ensure access and equity of youth services for all young people regardless of location,cultural or ethnic background, disability or sexual identity.


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92 Labor will review the operation of the Youth Justice Act and of the Children, Young Personsand their Families Act three years into their operation.

Tasmanias decentralised population

93 Labor will address regional inequities.

Youth political participation

94 Labor will encourage young people to be involved in the political process.


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Chapter 4: Human and transport services

Principle for Managing our land and built environment1 Labor believes that Tasmanias land assets should be sustainably allocated and managed

for the benefit of all Tasmanians.

2 Labor believes that the economic opportunity arising from the use of Tasmanias land shouldbe maximised to the degree it does not unreasonably compromise the unique lifestyle andnatural environment enjoyed by Tasmanians.

Planning and development

3 Labor believes that the Governments approach to planning and development should seek tobalance and maximise economic, social and environmental outcomes.

4 Labor believes that the expansion of Tasmanias built environment must be plannedcarefully so that it is provided with adequate and lasting supporting infrastructure.

5 Labor believes that built industrial developments are an important contributor to Tasmaniaseconomy and productivity.

6 Labor believes that urban planning must take long-term considerations and challenges intoaccount.

7 Labor believes that Aboriginal, historical and ongoing cultural values are important in landmanagement planning.

8 Labor believes that the Government should do its utmost to avoid and eliminate socialisolation.

9 Labor recognises the important role of planning in tackling the challenges of housing andtransport affordability.

10 Labor will require planning schemes to consider, where relevant:

Expected settlement patterns throughout Tasmania;

Changing demographics and the expected service needs of Tasmanians;

Connectivity between cities, towns and regional areas;

Access to recreational spaces;

Access to services;

The promotion of social equality and social inclusion;

Housing affordability;

Availability of public transport and affordability of private transport; The protection of built and cultural heritage;


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Ecological sustainability, including the availability of land and water resources and theprotection of natural heritage and threatened species;

The requirements of industries, particularly those industries that rely on Tasmaniasnatural advantages;

The development, maintenance, sustainability of and expected future demands onsupporting infrastructure;

The impact of climate change on land use decisions; and

The impacts of potential noise, air, water and other forms of pollution on human health.

11 Labor will develop a consistent framework for local government planning schemes.

12 Labor will require a transparent and consistent approach to local government planning.

13Labor will support the development of regional planning strategies in conjunction with groupsof local councils.

14 Labor will have a comprehensive assessment process for projects of state significance.

15 Labor will assess crown land to determine its best use.

16 Labor will aim to have development proposals considered within specific, realistic andcommercially acceptable timeframes.

17 Labor will allow all interested members of the public a reasonable opportunity to commenton planning and development schemes and proposals.

18 Labor will, through the Governments approach to planning, seek to maximise the social,economic and environmental value of available land.

Waste management & recycling

19 Labor believes that wastage must be minimised and re-use maximised.

20 Labor recognises that the development of a built environment inevitably leads to waste andpollution.

21 Labor will work towards the elimination of materials that cannot be re-used, recycled orbiodegraded except insofar as there are no viable or practical alternatives (in particular theelimination of non-biodegradable plastic bags);

22 Labor will encourage and support all municipal councils to:

Develop household recycling collection systems where waste is separated at source;

Have separate repositories at waste disposal facilities for all categories of recyclablewaste, reusable items and non-recyclable waste.

Differentiate waste disposal facilities access charges according to levels of recyclable

and non-recyclable waste; and Provide incentives for participation in kerbside recycling.


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23 Labor will develop an education campaign to encourage consumer participation in recycling.

24 Labor will investigate the suitability and feasibility of a reusable (and recyclable) container

deposit scheme, such as that which operates in South Australia.

25 Labor will adopt Government procurement policies that favour the purchase of recyclable,biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials.

Hazardous waste

26 Labor will co-operate with the Commonwealth Government in the development of nationalprocedures to monitor the generation, movement and disposal of hazardous waste.

27 Labor will require clear and appropriate warnings and other advice to be present on anyfacility or container containing hazardous material.

28 Labor will limit to safe levels the amount of contamination by potentially hazardouschemicals allowed in air, soil and water according to sound biological and epidemiologicalevidence.

Principles for built and cultural heritage

29 Labor believes that historical and cultural values are important in land managementplanning.

30 Labor believes that Tasmanias extensive built heritage be it structures or changes to thelandscape should be preserved in a way that maintains examples of all built environmentstages of development.

Management and preservation

31 Labor will engage local communities and user groups in the management of reserves andpublic open spaces with which they have a particular connection.

32 Labor will work with primary industries to ensure heritage sites are protected and notdisturbed.

Aboriginal heritage

33 Labor believes that the cultural heritage of Tasmanias original inhabitants must bepreserved.

34 Labor believes that Aboriginal people are best able to manage, protect and preserve placesof significance in their culture and heritage.

35 Labor believes that Tasmanian Aboriginal people are entitled to land, on which they canpractice their own traditions and customs.


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36 Labor recognises the close cultural connection that Aboriginal Tasmanians have with theirland.

37 Labor will require the preservation of Aboriginal heritage on both public and private land.

38 Labor will provide incentives to private landowners to protect and preserve Aboriginalheritage and sites.

39 Labor will transfer to the Aboriginal community Crown Land identified as being of significanteconomic, spiritual, cultural or historical importance to the Aboriginal community.

40 Labor will integrate Aboriginal perspectives, traditional cultural practice and expertise intothe management and use of natural resources.

Recreational and community space41 Labor believes that land must be allocated for community and recreational uses.

42 Labor recognises that the interaction of local communities with recreational and public landis of vital importance to their physical and social wellbeing.

43 Labor recognises that recreational pursuits such as horse riding, bushwalking, hunting,historical motor racing activities and fishing are culturally important to many Tasmanians.

44 Labor will ensure that designated spaces are available and accessible for recreational

pursuits and culturally established practices.

45 Labor will establish advisory groups for culturally established practices where required.

46 Labor will ensure that green space is incorporated into urban environments.

47 Labor will provide for community and recreational space - such as sports grounds, walkingtracks, parks and playgrounds - in close proximity to all urban residential areas and in ruralcommunities.


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Principles for managing our natural resources

48 Labor believes that Tasmanias abundant renewable resources are one of its natural

advantages and will therefore always be an important part of the States economy.

49 Labor believes that Tasmanias natural beauty makes it necessary for resource industries tocomplement or coexist with tourism and with the preservation of Tasmanias highconservation environmental values.

50 Labor believes that ensuring the continuation and success of Tasmanias resourceindustries relies on a balance between access to and sustainability of resources.

51 Labor believes that for every resource extracted in Tasmania, the maximum value possiblefrom that resource should be sought.

52 Labor recognises that major infrastructure and downstream processing projects have animportant role in adding value in the processing of natural resources.

53 Labor will support projects that add value to Tasmanias natural resources provided theymeet stringent environmental, social and economic guidelines for approval.

54 Labor will maximise the benefit to Tasmanians of Tasmanias resource industries by:

Developing skills and training of the local workforce to meet the needs of resourceindustries; and

Encouraging local financial interests to invest in resource industries.

Mining55 Labor recognises that Tasmania is rich in mineral resources.

56 Labor will promote the balanced development of mineral resources taking into accounteconomic, environmental and social issues.

57 Labor will promote geological and geomatic research to identify new opportunities for theextraction of subterranean resources.

58 Labor will encourage exploration for the identification of geothermal energy hotspots.

59 Labor will ensure the protection of the safety, health and welfare of workers in the miningindustry as well as the populations living in proximity to their operations.

60 Labor will conduct research that will contribute to best practice in safety for workers in themining industry by improving the prediction and mitigation of geophysical hazards.

61 Labor will work with the mining industry to facilitate recreational fossicking.

62 Labor will minimise the impact of mine sites on the surrounding environment.

63Labor will ensure rehabilitation of mine sites so that they are returned as close as possible totheir previous state.


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64 Labor will work with the Australian Government to support the mining industry in adapting tomeeting the challenges faced in dealing with the issue of climate change.

Forestry65 Labor believes that Tasmanias forest practices are world leading.

66 Labor believes that the future of Tasmanias forest industry rests in resource security,continuous improvement in sustainable practices, and value-adding.

67 Labor believes that the Regional Forest Agreement and the Tasmanian Community ForestAgreement provide an appropriate balance between protection of conservation values andsecure access to resources for sustainable development.

68 Labor recognises that over 40 percent of Tasmanias land mass is set aside for conservationpurposes.

69 Labor recognises that approximately one million hectares of old growth forest area is inprotected reserves.

70 Labor recognises that more than 10,000 Tasmanians rely on forestry for their livelihood.

71 Labor recognises that sustainable forest management has a key role in the solution toclimate change.

72 Labor will ensure that our forests are a safe workplace providing skills, personal

development opportunities, and appropriate rewards.

73 Labor will ensure that the sustainable management of our multiple use forest maximizes thesocial and economic benefits to the Tasmanian community, including the provision of craftmaterial, water, horticultural products, and access for beekeeping and recreation.

74 Labor will promote the re-vegetation of catchment areas, farmlands, and cleared land.

75 Labor will facilitate new, regionally-based investment projects that add value to our forestsand forest products.

76Labor will support the integration of tourism initiatives into multiple use planning in ourforests.

77 Labor will ensure the application of the Forest Practices Code leads to continuousimprovement in all forest practices.

78 Labor will promote the adoption of the Australian Forest Standard by land managers andencourage international recognition of the Standard.

79 Labor will support research to better understand how Tasmanias forests contribute to theStates carbon balance.

80 Labor will support research that minimises the environmental and health impacts ofregeneration burns including examining alternative uses for forest residues.


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Fisheries

81 Labor will support the use of management strategies that sustain the economic and social

contribution of marine and inland fishing to Tasmanias regional and coastal communities.

82 Labor will develop an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management based on theprinciples of ecologically sustainable development.

83 Labor will support the development of a balanced strategy that includes the TasmanianMarine Protected Areas Strategy whilst providing fair and equitable access to all those withinterests in fish and fishing.

84 Labor will provide continued research and assessment of Tasmanias fisheries and theirhabitats.

85 Labor will support the development and implementation of management plans for thecommercial fishing industry to monitor and maintain sustainable fishing practices.

86 Labor will work closely with the Australian Government to ensure that Tasmanias fisheriesare not detrimentally impacted by offshore fishing practices.

87 Labor will protect the Tasmanian marine environment from pests and diseases.

Agriculture

88 Labor will establish a framework that provides for sustainable land and water use whilesupporting the continued development and expansion of the agriculture industry inTasmania.

89 Labor will develop effective marketing strategies that capture information about national andinternational market trends, concentrating on changing consumer preferences.

90 Labor will promote effective stewardship of environmental values on private land.

91 Labor will protect Tasmanias relative freedom from pests and diseases.

92 Labor will build community partnerships to improve the capacity and confidence of people in

rural and regional areas.

93 Labor will assess land use on the basis of social, economic and environmental benefits;

94 Labor will support viability and diversity in agriculture whilst recognising the importance offood production.

95 Labor will support the agricultural industry in dealing with the challenge of climate change.


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Water Management

96 Labor believes that all Tasmanians have the right to access a clean, affordable supply of

water.

97 Labor believes that improving the conservation of water requires solutions at a state,regional and household level.

98 Labor believes that water is of vital importance to supporting freshwater and land-basedecosystems.

99 Labor believes that water management should be about striking an appropriate balancebetween the economic, social and environmental outcomes of water use and conservation.

100 Labor recognises that Tasmania requires significant additional investment in water and

sewerage infrastructure.

101 Labor recognises that drought and climate change threaten the supplies of water inTasmania.

102 Labor will continue the process of structural water and sewerage infrastructure reform.

103 Labor will establish priorities for water usage in times of water shortage.

104 Labor will establish equitable catchment management regimes for water use and allocation.

105 Labor will apply water restrictions if the supply of water is threatened.

106 Labor will encourage regional water authorities to recycle water for the production of greywater for appropriate uses.

107 Labor will aim for all Tasmanians to have access to an affordable supply of clean water.

108 Labor will support the development of Tasmanias water infrastructure to protect Tasmanianbusinesses from the effects of drought and provide water supply to areas where clean waterfor household use is not affordably accessible.

109 Labor will ensure that maximum value is extracted from industrial and agricultural water use.

110 Labor will encourage the development and adoption of on-site systems for households andbusinesses to increase their water storage, conservation and recycling and reduce theirwater usage.

111 Labor will provide incentives to households to achieve more sustainable water consumption.

112 Labor will limit the chemical, metal, saline and other forms of pollution of Tasmaniaswaterways to levels that avoid significant adverse impact on Tasmanias land, freshwaterand marine environments.


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Principles for protecting our natural environment

113Labor believes that our natural and cultural heritage must be fostered and our landscapesprotected for environmental, social, cultural, economic, educational and scientific purposesas well as for Tasmanias future.

114 Labor recognises that Tasmanias natural heritage includes unique cultural, scenic andwilderness values that need protection.

115 Labor recognises that ecological processes and life-support systems must he supported,preserving our genetic diversity and ecologically sustainable management.

116 Labor recognises that the wellbeing of life on Earth is very much dependent on how weprotect our plants and animals and maintain biodiversity.

117 Labor recognises that all of the community benefits from the sustainable development ofTasmanias natural resources.

118 Labor recognises that broad community involvement is essential for the achievement ofpositive environmental outcomes.

119 Labor recognises that an active, and informed, independent, voluntary environmental andconservation movement is essential for the achievement and implementation of effectivenatural resource management.

120 Labor will work with the community to achieve environmental outcomes which maintain our

clean-green image.

121 Labor will maintain or enhance resource quality, maintain productive capacity, and preventdegradation of our environment.

Natural heritage

122 Labor recognises that almost all of Tasmanias National Parks and World Heritage Areashave been established by Labor Governments.

123 Labor will support environmental protection through environmental and land managementservices.

124 Labor will assess all values, including natural, traditional, cultural and heritage, as well aseconomic in land management planning.

125 Labor will ensure sustainable production systems are developed and management practicesare in place that maintain, rehabilitate. or improve biodiversity and ecosystem services.

126 Labor will ensure the impact of threatening processes on systems critical for theconservation of biodiversity is avoided or minimised.

127 Labor will maintain its world class system of National Parks and Reserves to protect andconserve natural and cultural values.


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128 Labor will support the development and implementation of management plans for allNational Parks and Reserves.

129 Labor will provide incentives to local government to encourage the development of localhistory societies, heritage trails, and the management of cultural heritage resources.

130 Labor will where relevant, ensure the completion of a social values study before landmanagement plans can be presented to the public.

131 Labor will engage local communities and user groups in the management of reserves withwhich they have a particular connection.

132 Labor will promote effective stewardship of environmental values on private land.

133 Labor will work cooperatively with, and where appropriate fund landowners to restore ormaintain native habitat and wildlife corridors.

134 Labor will compensate landowners prevented from developing or utilising their propertiesbecause of government environmental or cultural decisions.

135 Labor will support measures to identify the most seriously degraded areas and then prioritisethem for immediate remediation and rehabilitation.

Dry land systems

136 Labor will work cooperatively with stakeholders (ie farmers, graziers, foresters, hunters) tofind and implement appropriate, economically feasible and environmentally responsiblecontrols on weeds, pests and diseases.

137 Labor will work with the community and community organisations to continue to improve thewelfare and protection of domestic and agricultural animals.

138 Labor will cooperate with hunting and fishing groups to implement sustainable and humanemanagement plans for native and introduced game and fish species.

139 Labor will promote the development of property based wildlife management plans as a wayof helping to monitor populations and conserve habitat on private land.

Wetland

140 Labor will ensure adequate conservation of wetland ecosystems through their incorporationin Tasmania's reserve system.

141 Labor will co-operate with the Commonwealth Government to implement the provisions ofthe Ramsar Convention in relation to Ramsar listed wetlands.

142 Labor will provide advice and incentives to private landowners to create, conserve andmanage wetlands on their properties.


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143 Labor will work co-operatively with local communities and user groups to refine the state-wide inventory of wetlands by qualifying typical, unique and sensitive wetland habitats andtheir communities.

144 Labor will establish wetlands information centres to educate the public on the natural andcultural values of wetlands.

145 Labor will provide information to hunters and anglers on international, national and stateexpectations in relation to sustainable use of resources and animal welfare issues.

Marine species and ecosystems

146 Labor will develop an integrated management planning system that reduces conflict

between development and conservation in coastal, estuarine and marine areas.

147 Labor will support the implementation of the Tasmanian Marine Protected Areas Strategy.

148 Labor will promote the use of habitat mapping to identify typical, unique and sensitive marinehabitats and their communities.

149 Labor will protect estuarine habitat and support environmentally sustainable aquaculture.

150 Labor will work closely with the Australian Government to ensure that Tasmanias fisheriesare not detrimentally impacted by offshore fishing practices.

151 Labor will work closely with the Australian government, international partners andcommunity groups for the protection of all Cetacean (whale and dolphin) species.

152 Labor will protect the Tasmanian marine environment from pests and diseases.

Coasts

153 Labor recognises that Tasmanias unique coastal environment must be protected.

154 Labor will develop and implement balanced management plans combining sustainable

development with protection of natural, cultural heritage and social values.

155 Labor will develop regional community involvement in coastline issues through consultation.

156 Labor will maintain public access to the coast.

Threats to ecosystems

157 Labor recognises the importance of protecting our unique biodiversity.

158 Labor recognises that the need to prevent processes which may jeopardize our rare,threatened and endangered species.


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159 Labor recognises that biodiversity maintenance is the key to healthy ecosystems.

160 Labor recognises that a significant number of ecosystems and native flora and fauna

species are now endangered and require urgent and more effective measures to ensuretheir survival through adequate preservation.

161 Labor will through the Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Tasmania, work with fireservices, landcare groups and other community based groups to ensure the survival of firedependant ecological communities and mitigate the threat of wildfire to the naturalenvironment as well as to public and private property.

162 Labor will develop programs to educate the community on the dangers to both people andthe environment of wildfire (with a particular aim of eliminating the threat of firebugs).

Weeds, pests and diseases

163 Labor will ensure threats from weeds, pests and diseases are mitigated (e.g. nurseries,native and feral animals, marine pests, quarantine).

164 Labor will promote research on the environmental effects of and practical control measuresfor feral domestic animals.

165 Labor will ensure that stringent biosecurity is maintained to preserve Tasmanias relativefreedom from pests and diseases.

166 Labor will ensure the maintenance of stringent biosecurity for Macquarie Island andAntarctica.

167 Labor will increase community involvement in both agricutural and environmental weed andpest eradication programs.

168 Labor will provide resources to enable rapid and flexible response to critical threats fromexotic pests and diseases (both land and marine)(e.g. foxes, carp, devil facial tumourdisease).

Rare, threatened and endangered species

169 Labor will ensure that the listing and de-listing of species as 'rare', 'vulnerable' or'endangered' is based on thorough and objective scientific evidence.

170 Labor will engage community expertise in working with scientists to actively monitorpopulations of rare, threatened and endangered species.

171 Labor will support the development of community based programs to assist in therecognition of threatened species or ecological communities.

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172 Labor recognises that the potential effects of modified genes on natural and agriculturalpopulations or upon consumers of these are not yet well known.

173 Labor recognises the potential benefits for Tasmanias exports of our present status of

freedom from genetically modified organisms.

174 Labor will foster research on potential threats to existing gene pools due to geneticallymodified organisms and diversity restricting breeding programs.

175 Labor will review the present moratorium on allowing genetically modified organisms to enterthe State on a regular basis, paying regard to scientific and commercial advice.

Climate Change

176 Labor believes that climate change is the greatest anthropogenic environmental threat tohuman survival and to the present biodiversity on Earth

177 Labor believes that governments at all levelslocal, state and nationalhave a role intackling climate change and must take urgent action to do so.

178 Labor recognises that there is now general international scientific agreement that there is adiscernable human influence on global climate change.

179 Labor recognises that modelling suggests that without change to present emission regimes,annual national average temperatures are projected to increase between 0.4C and 2.0Cby 2030 and between 1.0C and 6.0C by 2070.

180 Labor recognises that the potential impacts of climate change include:

Loss of ecosystems and biodiversity

Less secure water supplies and decreasing water quality;

Increases in extreme weather events including coastal flooding and significantincreases and decreases in rainfall (depending on the region); and

Detrimental impacts on essential infrastructure.

181 Labor recognises that human factors including the lives and economic welfare of workers

and communities must be taken into account when developing strategies to deal withclimate change.

182 Labor recognises that the political processes alongside scientific and economic solutions arekey parts of the solution to climate change.

183 Labor will take broad and comprehensive scientific and economic advice while engaging thebroader community on actions to tackle climate change.

184 Labor will set greenhouse gas emissions targets including a reduction of 60 percent of 1990levels by 2050.

185 Labor will either establish an emissions trading scheme or participate in an establishedfederal or global trading scheme.


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186 Labor will investigate means of encouraging the installation of photovoltaic power sources inbusinesses and households.

187 Labor will aim for the Tasmanian Government to eventually become carbon neutral throughinitiatives such as:

Accurate reporting of government agencies carbon footprints;

Greenhouse friendly procurement policies;

The establishment of a green vehicle fleet;

Energy efficient government buildings; and

A carbon offset scheme for government emissions-producing activities such asgovernment air travel.

Pollution control

188 Labor recognises that the quality of the work environment of Tasmania has been neglectedto the point that many working people are exposed to hazardous environmentalcontaminants with little or no regulation or monitoring.

189 Labor recognises that polluting emissions include gaseous, liquid, solid and particulatematter, and noise, and all of these are capable of presenting hazards to the environmentand to the human population.

190 Labor will work with the Australian and other state governments and relevant internationalbodies to ensure the development of the highest possible, economically feasible standardsof control of emissions of primary and secondary industries, transportation systems andhuman waste management systems.

191 Labor will implement state of the art emission controls on State Government vehicles andthermal power generation systems.

192 Labor will establish limits on industrial emissions to curtail their impact on the humanpopulation and the environment.

193 Labor will encourage and assist operators that are making a reasonable and genuine effort

to keep their emissions below permissible limits.

194 Labor will ensure that penalties for operators that refuse to comply with their pollution controlobligations are severe enough to have a deterrent effect.

Nuclear hazards

195 Labor believes that the dangers posed to all humanity by radioactive decay and especiallyby nuclear fission and fusion are such as to make it wise for governments and politicalparties to proceed in a highly conservative manner.

196 Labor believes that we live in a nuclear age where the benefits of nuclear energy should beinvestigated and the hazards and pitfalls of nuclear energy fully understood.


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197 Labor believes that the full socio-economic costs, risks and benefits of nuclear technologyshould be determined.

Nuclear waste198 Labor believes nuclear waste is an obvious by-product of the nuclear age and should only

be stored in Tasmania in sites where it can have no impact on ground, water and air.

199 Labor will fully co-operate with the Commonwealth in the development of nationalprocedures and standards to categorise and monitor the generation, storage, transport,usage and disposal of nuclear materials in both industry and medicine.

200 Labor will ensure that these procedures and standards are regularly reviewed in line withworlds best practices to ensure adequate protection for workers, members of the public and

the environment.

201 Labor will ensure there are information and advisory services on potential environmentalcontaminations, particularly in the workplace.

202 Labor will minimise the importation of hazardous wastes into the State.

Nuclear warship visits

203 Labor will educate the public as to the risk posed by visiting nuclear powered and/or armed

vessels.

204 Labor will make the Nuclear Powered Warship Safety Plan publicly available to facilitatepublic discussion on warship visits.

205 Labor will require nuclear powered and/or armed warships entering Tasmanian harbours toprepare an environmental impact statement in line with Labors commitment to environmentimpact assessment legislation.

206 Labor will endorse a policy allowing nuclear powered ship visits on the proviso thatappropriate security officers of the Tasmanian Government are told how the reactors workand how the safety systems work so that an assessment can be made on the safety of theship in our ports.

207 Labor will not allow nuclear-armed warships to enter Tasmanian waters and harbours.


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Chapter 5: Government and infrastructure

Government

1 Labor believes that every citizen should have a stake in the political process and thatpolitical parties need to be broadly representative.

2 Labor believes that strategic leadership is required to plan for and achieve positiveoutcomes in the key policy areas that underpin the continuation of democratic government inTasmania and give effect to a vision for the future of the State which is in accordance withthe principles outlined in this document.

3 Labor believes that Tasmanians have the right to expect Members of Parliament to behavewith integrity.

4 Labor believes that being a party committed to social reform, it is a primary responsibility ofthe ALP to provide a clear vision for electoral reform within the Tasmanian system ofGovernment.

5 Labor believes that the decisions and actions of Government must be relevant, transparentand accountable.

6 Labor recognises strategic leadership is learned and the provision of ongoing leadershiptraining is required for members of the Parliamentary Labor Party (PLP).

7 Labor recognises that integrity can be encouraged by having mechanisms with which tohandle inappropriate behaviours within the PLP.

8 Labor recognises the Tasmanian system of Government is in need of democratic reformincluding the reform of the Legislative Council and the creation of a written TasmanianConstitution.

9 Labor recognises reform of the Legislative Council will need to be undertaken in consultationwith the Tasmanian public and in particular it needs to better engage Tasmanians in thedemocratic process. Two possible ways forward are:

To provide for half the Legislative Council retire for re-election at a state-wide ballot,and the other half to retire for re-election at the end of that term; or

Provide for Legislative Council elections to be held in conjunction with the House ofAssembly and the retention of local representation.

10 Labor recognises the uncertainty of election times at the State and National level has, sinceFederation, produced a very high number of elections, which detracts from stability ofGovernment.

11 Labor recognises that quality governance is achieved when there is a logical articulationbetween State and local government.

12 Labor recognises the relevance of Government policy is reliant on adequate communityconsultation.

13 Labor recognises transparency and accountability in Government processes is assured byhaving a high quality State Service.


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A dedication to promoting a culture of professionalism and dynamism in the provisionof services to the people of Tasmania; and

A commitment to the principles within the State Service Act, 2000.

26 Labor believes in an engaged and valued State Service is imperative to ensure the deliveryof public policy and State services.

27 Labor believes in a commitment to accountability and performance review at both serviceand individual level is necessary if the State Service is to be an effective instrument indelivering the Governments policies.

28 Labor recognises good leadership is learned and must be:

Demonstrated and modelled by the PLP through their adherence to the values towhich they pledge;

Ensured by the provision of ongoing leadership and management training for StateService employees from the level of agency secretaries and statutory office holdersthrough to all relevant levels of the State Service; and

Harnessed from both State Service employees and the Tasmanian public through theeffective gathering, assessment and implementation of good ideas in the spirit ofleadership which acknowledges that leadership need not always be hierarchical, butcan be collaborative.

29 Labor recognises engaged and empowered State Service employees are more productiveand flexible.

30 Labor recognises the empowerment of both the State Service Commissioner and the AuditorGeneral is required to provide comment in regard to the performance and relevance of StateService agencies.

31 Labor will ensure that ongoing leadership and management training is provided for membersof the State Service including agency secretaries, statutory office holders and all relevantlevels of the State Service.

32 Labor will ensure that Good Ideas Systems are employed across the State Service to bothharness and value the imagination, good will and dedication of employees in this sector.

33 Labor will periodically review the powers of the State Service Commissioner and the AuditorGeneral in regard to their ability to evaluate and make recommendations about theperformance of State Service agencies and employees. This might include the introduction

of an efficiency and management auditor as well as an accounting auditor, as required.

Economy

34 Labor believes that as a social democratic party there should be sufficient governmentregulation of the economy, including but not limited to appropriate State governmentbudgetary measures, which will ensure the stability of the economy to prevent bothrecession and hyperinflation.

35 Labor believes that trade unions, industry, the public sector, government and the Tasmaniancommunity all play significant roles in regional development.


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48 Labor will not support the privatisation of any State Owned Company or business unlessthere are great demonstrable benefits to the people of Tasmania and will especially opposethe privatisation of Tasmanias power network, or any part thereof and in particular is

opposed to the sale of the companies know as Hydro, Transend Network and AuroraEnergy.viii

49 Labor will genuinely work in partnership with employers, unions, local government and thebroader community.

Financial Strategy

50 Labor believes sound financial strategy promotes industry development, employmentopportunities and the achievement of an economy which can support positive outcomesrelating to social justice.

51 Labor believes that Government agencies should maximise service provision through thedeployment of sound whole-of-Government financial strategy.

52 Labor believes sound financial management is built upon the following principles:

Raising adequate income to meet recurrent expenditure;

Strong discipline to ensure that unsustainable deficits do not occur; and

Borrowing funds for appropriate capital expenditure for the long term benefit of theTasmanian community (for example, hospitals, roads and ports).

53 Labor recognises irresponsible accumulation of government debt causes a decline ingovernment services and an inability to stimulate economic growth.

54 Labor recognises that whole-of-Government financial strategy enables government agenciesto maximise service provision and minimise waste.

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55 Labor will ensure that the Government delivers a financial plan committed to a sustainablelevel of debt.

56 Labor will enable improved government services through the provision of improved whole-of-Government strategies such as well designed accounting systems, information managementsystems and communication technologies able to be used across all Government agencies.

57 Labor will encourage sustainable, appropriate investment in Tasmania which aligns with thebranding of Tasmania in vital industries such as Tourism and the food industry.

58 Labor will allow additional expenditure for industry development and sustainableinfrastructure (see other relevant platforms).

59 Labor will deliver balanced budgets.


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Innovation Strategy

60 Labor Believes innovation in existing and new industries is the key to economic prosperity,

high employment and quality jobs.

61 Labor recognises Tasmanian industries and workers have a proud record of innovation ANDGovernment support for innovation in Australia has been historically weak. Continuedinnovation is only possible with support from all levels of government.

62 Labor will develop an innovation strategy based on the best available advice.

Industrial Relations

63 Labor believes the inherent imbalance between workers and employers necessitates theexistence of a sound industrial relations system to encourage good management principlesto be implemented by employers and to protect the security of workers employment, wages,working conditions and entitlements.

64 Labor believes workers must be able to take a collective approach in negotiating theirworking conditions in order to achieve fair outcomes.

65 Labor believes it is important that the State system aligns with the Federal system wherepossible (and relevant) to achieve consistency across jurisdictions.

66 Labor believes negotiations should be based on co-operation and consultation betweenunions, employees, and employers; and underpinned by a legislative framework that

protects the rights of all parties and meets Australias obligations under the InternationalLabour Organisation (ILO) convention.

67 Labor recognises that an effective and balanced industrial relations system is central to:

The wellbeing of the people of Tasmania;

The maintenance of a just society; and

The achievement of a vibrant economy.

68 Labor recognises that work practices should ensure that workers are able to meet theirresponsibilities regarding home, family and community life.

69 Labor recognises a strong and independent industrial commission and a strong and vibrantunion movement are vital to the fair and proper functioning of the industrial relations system.

70 Labor will refer to the Australian Government the balance of private sector industrialrelations in Tasmania to provide certainty for employers and access to modern awards byemployees.

71 Labor will maintain the Tasmanian Industrial Commission as an independent statutory bodycovering public sector employment.

72 Labor will ensure the provision of online access to awards and formal decisions of both the

Tasmanian Industrial Commission in regard to State Service matters and Fair WorkAustralia in regard to the private sector.


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73 Labor will review issues and develop protocols on workplace privacy eg. e-mail andworkplace surveillance, and drug and other testing.

74 Labor will ensure that the right of unions to enter workplaces to recruit and communicate

with members is protected by appropriate legislation.

75 Labor will encourage education and training about and for unions.

76 Labor will pursue changes to provide for the resolution of industrial disputes by conciliationand, if necessary, by arbitration in a prompt and fair manner with a minimum of legaltechnicality.

77 Labor will provide that the Tasmanian Industrial Relations Commission has the power todeclare void any unfair, harsh or unconscionable employment and ensure that all employeeentitlements are maintained in the event of transmission of business.

78 Labor will pursue legislative changes to provide for interest at the same rate as applies toSupreme Court judgements to be awarded to employees in the event of underpayment ofwages or other benefits.

79 Labor will ensure that unions pursuing their legitimate industrial and social interests are notsubject to civil actions for breach of contract, conspiracy, intimidation or unlawfulinterference.

80 Labor will require employers who provide services to government to observe good industrialrelations practices.

Employment81 Labor believes security of employment is fundamental to individual, family and community

stability.

82 Labor believes fair wages and conditions are important to attract and retain a skilledworkforce in Tasmania.

83 Labor believes in the legitimate role of trade unions and employer organisations.

84 Labor believes in the right of workers to:

Organise; Take action on behalf of their members, and workers generally;

Bargain collectively for fair working conditions; and

Not be discriminated against in the workplace.

85 Labor recognises a system of comprehensive, contemporary and relevant awards is centralto the security of workers, their wages and working conditions.

86 Labor recognises the need for portable employee entitlements to ensure that no Tasmanianworkers lose employment related entitlements.

87 Labor recognises there is continuing discrimination in the workplace against women, youngpeople, workers from non-English speaking backgrounds and workers with disabilities.


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88 Labor recognises the importance of the apprenticeship system and other forms of workplacetraining.

89 Labor recognises the right of workers to withdraw their labour is a fundamental principle ofthe Labor Party.

90 Labor will ensure that registered Industrial agreements are adhered to and apply sufficientresources to achieve adherence within both the Tasmanian and Federal systems.

91 Labor will prepare a discussion paper for the 2010 State Conference on the need forincentives to be developed and adopted by the Tasmanian Government in order to attractand retain workers within Tasmania.

x

92 Labor will encourage long term employment and discourage the casualisation of thew

state platform 2009

Documents