As the cold temperature continues, and people snuggle close to their wood heaters and fireplaces, once again we are reminded that, here in the ACT, instead of allowing residents to make their own decisions the Labor-Greens government has moved towards blanket bans.
The Greens have an ideological obsession against wood heaters. And because in the ACT, the ‘tail wags the dog’, Labor and the Greens are now proceeding with phasing out wood heaters by 2045. This is despite objections from industry groups, local small businesses and, of course, many thousands of Canberra residents.
Instead, we should consider doing what the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment suggested in 2023. The Commissioner’s report actually outlined several key issues with the Labor-Greens government’s current policy approach that need fixing first.
Addressing things such as emissions and efficiency standards, coupled with poor regulation and enforcement, misleading public education campaigns, ineffective replacement programs, and inconsistent suburb restrictions, were all significant issues outlined in the Commissioner’s report.
I cannot understand why these issues are not being addressed, unless it is just because the Greens love getting headlines, rather than pursuing effective action. A ban will not resolve any existing issues between now and 2045; and the ACT Government’s track record on enforcement brings into question the practicality of actually putting the ban in place.
But there is a more fundamental problem, and that is the continued desire of the Labor-Greens government to remove the freedom of choice for Canberra residents, allowing people to enjoy a roaring fire on a cold winter evening.
There is something nostalgic and warming about a fire. Instead of just a heavy-handed banning, there should be a push to adjust government policies and practices before impacting residents and homes.
I mean what will be after that – will they ban outdoor firepits for the same reason? Put a ban on toasting marshmallows or making damper in your backyard? Will pizza ovens or coal barbeques be next in line?
As a Liberal, when Governments rely on big sticks and bans to implement policy, it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. People should be trusted to make the best decision for their lives and their families – and this includes how they heat their homes. If they do anything to abuse that trust, the Government should step in. But it’s typical that the Labor-Green’s response is simply putting in place a foolish ban.
This October, we have a chance to fix this problem. Only a new Liberal Government in the ACT Assembly will overturn these nonsensical bans, and citizens will again be trusted to exercise a real freedom of choice.