What a wonderful year 2008 is turning out to be. At last we have had an apology from our Federal Parliament to the Stolen Generation for past wrongs committed. I heard many people say they thought they would never live to see this day. Obviously this is only the beginning of the road to true reconciliation, but a significant beginning none the less. In 1997 a previous Assembly made its apology so, on 14th February, the Chief Minister, Mr Stanhope, reaffirmed the apology. Practically the whole Assembly spoke in support of the motion, it was passed unanimously.

As you probably know I spent many years living and working, as a Nursing Sister with Indigenous people in remote communities in Arnhem Land in the NT.I felt a keen sense of regret for any part that I may have played in a system that oppressed a people and that is why I took the opportunity to say a personal "sorry" when I got to my feet in the Assembly. The full Hansard for the day can be found on

http://www.hansard.act.gov.au/hansard/2008/pdfs/20080214.pdf

The speeches on the subject of the Apology start on page 5, my speech can be found on page 22. You can also click onto my March Porter Report for March and read about one person's story, as the daughter of a Member of the Stolen Generation http://www.maryporter.net/porter_report .

Another reason that many people have smiles on there faces is the rain and the good water in our dams. It looks like, due to the good falls and the community's hard work in keeping usage down, we can delay the day when further restriction may have to be put in place. Actew is even saying we will have enough water to keep our sporting ovals green!

On the subject of conserving things, the Chief Minister recently launched Earth Hour in the ACT. This is an imitative of the World Wild Life Foundation and it is a small step, but a symbolic one, in the journey we all now realise we must take to reduce the effects of climate change. Everyone is being invited to switch off their lights and other electrical equipment in the home or office for one hour on the 29th March, from 8.00 pm.

The ACT Government is strongly supporting the initiative which will see a large number of cities and town throughout Australia and the World, turn off their lights. Actew has come on board and it will supply green power for all essential services that will need to keep running. You can learn more about Earth Hour log on to www.earthhour.org To learn more about green power you can ring 13 14 93 or logging on to www.greenchoice.net.au

Recently the Chief Minister, commenting on the results of a survey of community attitudes, commended Canberrans for taking personal steps towards greater sustainability in their homes and workplaces. The 2007 Sustainability Community Attitudes Study consisted of a qualitative and quantitative survey of 1,000 Canberrans.

The survey found that Canberrans reported that they have been taking personal responsibility for greater sustainability. The report showed that 95% routinely turned lights off when they leave the room; 90% purchased energy-efficient appliances; 87 per cent donated unwanted items to charities; 82 % avoided plastic shopping bags; and 76% shower in 5 minutes or less. Additionally 80% said that the greatest reason for taking action was a sense that they had a personal duty to change past habits.

The report also shows that 92% of those surveyed indicated willingness to change their behaviours and act to reduce climate change, and 86% believed they and their families could make an important contribution to help minimise climate change.

This study helps the Government assess the effectiveness of current education, awareness and rebate programs and also identify possible opportunities to improve future services and programs. For further information about the survey visit www.tams.act.gov.au .

Canberrans love their garden, I think that is well known, and it has been hard for those that want to maintain even a hardy "drought resistant” garden. That is why I was so pleased to launch the great grey water hose give away recently. I hope you have got your free grey water hose, see my latest Porter Report for more details.

The first 2 weeks of sitting have been very busy ones with important planning legislation and the new Territory Plan being passed by the Assembly. The aim of the new Territory Plan is to make planning more streamlined and cut out some of the frustrating processes that people have had to go through to date. There are now a series of codes which allow you, if you want to build a development of some kind, to be able to go to the plan and see whether any initial approval is even necessary in the case of small matters. You can see the plan on

http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/ni/2008-27/current/default.asp

Easter is in March this year so don't forget to pay our wonderful National Folk Festival a visit if you can. More information is on their website on http://www.folkfestival.asn.au/

The Canberra Festival is a great chance for families to go out together and the ACT Government is conducting many events during the period, just log on to http://www.celebratecanberra.com/#03-08-2008/2008-canberra-festival to learn more about what is on offer.

Another opportunity to get out and about, and experience Canberra’s renowned nature reserves, is to take advantage of a number of free Ranger Guided activities. You can find out more on

http://www.tams.act.gov.au/play/community_events/ranger_guided_activity_...

For the first time in the ACT the Northern Corroboree Frog will be on display in a new permanent exhibit in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope announced today.

http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.asp?media=3497&section=24&titl...

Whist there will be many activities here in Canberra during March, if you are taking the chance to drive interstate for the holiday weekends then please take plenty of rest breaks, enjoy your time away and come back safely.

On a personal note, I have been once again preselected by the Australian Labor Party to contest the seat of Ginninderra. I shall of course continue to work hard to try to make a difference for the community, as I have been doing these last 31/4 years as your elected representative. Prior to my election to the ACT Assembly, in October of 2004, I was involved in many community activities, and this experience has stood me in good stead as your representative, as I believe I have been able to bring a different perspective to the role.

I am back out there in the shopping centres with my regular Mobile Offices. I would love to meet you if you can visit me at one nearest you. The days, times and venues are listed on http://www.maryporter.net/mobile_office It may only be a small matter, or issue, that you want to raise, but none the less important to you. I have been able to help with literally thousands of issues since I have been doing my Mobile Offices, and I must say it has pleased me enormously to see the positive outcomes that result from the work I do on your behalf.

I hope to meet you soon at one of my Mobile Offices, or you can ring my office on 62050100 or drop me an email at porter@parliament.act.gov.au

Mary.