Post by Cheryl Shearer

Fifty years ago today Fifty years ago today my late husband, Dr the Honourable Ian Shearer, outlined his green credentials in his maiden speech in Parliament. He stated that “I come into the House with somewhat of a reputation for being an environmentalist - and I do not deny that - but I am also a realist and I believe that, as long as a balanced approach prevails, much can be done to preserve that which is good and still enable, and in fact encourage, development of the country and its resources.” Ian then went in to say that - and this is the most important of his statement - “We should endeavour at all times to seek not what is best for ourselves in today’s world, but that which is best for future generations in tomorrow’s world.” Regrettably, it seems that not much has changed and little has been achieved in the 50 years since Ian’s maiden speech.