Senator LEES (Deputy Leader of the Australian Democrats)(6.09 p.m.) —by leave—I move:

(23)   Preamble, page 1 (line 6), omit "decline in Australia's natural environment", substitute "current decline, and to prevent further decline, in the quality of Australia's natural environment".

(24)   Preamble, page 2 (after line 2), after "resources.", insert:

   There is a need for the Commonwealth to provide national leadership and work in partnership with all levels of government and the whole community, recognising, among other things, that many environmental issues and problems are not limited by State and Territory borders.

(25)   Preamble, page 2 (line 4), omit "and sustainable development", substitute ", sustainable agriculture and natural resources management consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development".

(26)   Preamble, page 2 (lines 5 to 7), omit the paragraph.

(27)   Preamble, page 2 (after line 9), after"matters.", insert:

   The Commonwealth Government should work co-operatively with State governments to achieve effective outcomes in matters relating to environmental protection, natural resources management and sustainable agriculture. Those co-operative working relationships should involve entering into inter-governmental agreements which reflect the support of the States for the purposes of the Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Reserve and promote the development of complementary policies and programs.

(28)   Preamble, page 2 (lines 10 to 12), omit the paragraph, substitute:

   Australia's rural community should have a key role in the ecologically sustainable management of Australia's natural resources.

(29)   Preamble, page 2 (lines 13 and 14), omit "Australia's natural environment is central to Australia's well-being and to Australia's future economic prosperity.", substitute "Australia's natural environment is central to Australia's and Australians' health and non-material well-being and to Australia's present and future economic prosperity.".

These amendments cover a number of issues that we have discussed before.

Senator Hill —The government will be supporting these amendments.

Senator LEES —Thank you, Senator Hill. I note that the government will support these amendments to the preamble. They are not as strong as we would have liked, but they do cover some of the issues. For example, one issue relating to resource management was picked up by Senator Brown two amendments ago—that is, that it has to be consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development. I recommend these amendments to the Senate.