WK LO's LegCo Express (April 2023)
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W K LO's LegCo Express
April 2023
1. Welcomed the proposals on improving governance at district level
The Government announced the proposals on improving governance at the district level on 2 May. The proposals are guided by three principles: national security must be put as the topmost priority and the "one country, two systems" principle must be fully and faithfully implemented; the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" must be fully implemented; and executive-led governance must be manifested. The proposal can make the election of District Councils more diversified and bring in patriots from different professions and backgrounds to serve the public. It will also bring in more new ideas and broad representation and acceptance of the District Councils and provide more caring and appropriate services to the residents.
2. LegCo delegation to the Greater Bay Area
From 21 to 24 April, I joined a delegation led by CE to visit cities in GBA, namely Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan and Guangzhou. This is the first time that the Government and the Legislative Council have jointly visited the Mainland after the pandemic. The itinerary is very intensive, covering innovation and technology, smart cities, environmental protection, youth development, arts and culture, etc. We visited some high-tech companies in Shenzhen to learn about the development in areas such as digital economy, innovation and technology. It has significantly helped Members to understand and grasp the development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area for Hong Kong.
3. Passage of the Occupational Safety and Occupational Health Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2022
The LegCo passed the Bill on 19 April 2023 to amend the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, as well as their subsidiary legislation. The Bill seeks to overall increase the maximum penalties for occupational safety and health offences in order to enhance their deterrent effect. The Amendment Ordinance was published by the Government in the Gazette on 28 April 2023 and came into operation on the same day. Different stakeholders have different responsibilities and roles to play in ensuring occupational safety and health, and all parties have to work together to improve the safety culture.
4. Joined the Bills Committee on Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2023
The Bill seeks to amend the Road Tunnels (Government) Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation to: extend their application to the Western Harbour Crossing (“WHC”); empower the Chief Executive in Council to set different tolls for different time slots, or different parts of a time slot, in any day; provide for new tolls in respect of the three harbour crossings (“3 RHCs”) on the takeover of WHC (“fixed toll proposal”); provide for time-varying tolls (“TVTs”) to be charged for the 3 RHCs; authorize the Commissioner for Transport to make adjustments of tolls, time and duration in relation to peak time slots; and provide for transitional matters and make related amendments. I joined the Bills Committee in April.
5. My questions regarding Budget 2023-24
I have raised over 40 questions to the Government regarding the Budget 2023-24, which covered policy areas on housing, environment, planning and lands, commerce, public works, innovation and technology and transportation. To view my questions and replies from the Government, please use the following link:
6. Supporting the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI) project
On 27 April, the Development Bureau concluded the interim public engagement activities for the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI) project. Around 7800 public comments were collected through various channels, of them, about 60 percent expressed support for the project. I supported the project and believed the provided land will alleviate the housing shortage and bring benefits to the economic and commercial development of Hong Kong. It will also provide the people of Hong Kong with a "liveable, workable and sustainable" district that is both smart and green.
7. Joined the 2023 National Security Education Day
On 15 April, I attended the launching ceremony of the 2023 National Security Education Day on the theme of "National Security – Foundation of Stability and Prosperity". It aims to raise the awareness of Hong Kong residents of national security, create a strong atmosphere for safeguarding national security, and deepen the public's understanding of the Constitution, Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law.
