Page100 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 2 December 2020
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In relation to the provision of fidelity funds’ audited accounts to the Assembly, we recognise that there was concern amongst some stakeholders that there were no prudential requirements for fidelity funds; but this is not the case. Let me assure the Assembly that there have been prudential standards in place for fidelity funds for quite some time. The current determination was made in 2005 and is in addition to the reporting requirements in the Building Act for fidelity funds and insurers. We consider these to be sufficient for the oversight of a non-government body. However, we do agree that general reporting on compliance with the standards and the operation of insurers and funds could be introduced. We also commit to reviewing provisions related to fidelity funds and insurers authorised under the Building Act.
The government believes that the existing laws do provide mechanisms for resolving concerns about differences between a property as advertised and the eventual building. It is already unlawful to not comply with building standards and to mislead or misrepresent the quality or characteristics of a property. From 1 July 2021 developers of new buildings that will be unit titled must also provide developer statements to buyers for certain changes to new developments made during construction.
I thank the committee for the report and for its consideration of issues that are so important for the community. I also acknowledge the many people who have made a submission to the inquiry, appeared at hearings and worked on the inquiry. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the government to continue the ACT’s reform programs and to make sure that the territory has an effective building regulatory system and public protections.
I commend the government response to report 9, Inquiry into building quality, to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Justice and Community Safety—Standing Committee
Reference
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Manager of Government Business, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, Minister for Planning and Land Management and Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (3.38): I move:
That the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety inquire into the operation of the 2020 ACT election and the Electoral Act and other relevant legislation and policies concerning election-related matters, with particular reference to:
(1) the impact of COVID-19 on the ACT election and mitigation measures taken by the ACT Electoral Commission;
(2) the report of the ACT Electoral Commissioner into the 2020 ACT election;
(3) the timeframe and accessibility of early voting;
(4) the number and location of ordinary polling places;
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