Page 358 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 20 February 1990
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MR DUBY (Minister for Finance and Urban Services) (9.12): Mr Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to hear the responses from the various members of the Assembly tonight in relation to the Motor Vehicles (Dimensions and Mass) Bill. As has been stated, the ACT is the only State or Territory where there are no such limitations on the weight or size of loads to be carried on our roads. A number of speakers have mentioned the great cost that the community is currently bearing without this legislation.
As has been stressed by Mrs Grassby, this legislation was originally implemented by the Commonwealth Government, and the Follett Government, under the direction of Mrs Grassby, was in the process of introducing this. It has now been taken up forthwith by the new Kaine Government. We support the general thrust of all the implementation that was due to come into effect under those previous areas.
I think enough speakers have mentioned the thrust of the Bill and what it aims to achieve. Nevertheless, the transport industry has had some concerns with the administration of the proposed Bill. As a result I have met with Mrs Grassby and representatives of the Transport Workers Union of Australia, the TWU, to discuss these concerns. At the meeting I agreed to certain undertakings in relation to the administration of this legislation on behalf of the Government, and I have confirmed these undertakings in writing to the TWU. It is appropriate that I advise the Assembly of these undertakings which I believe have the support of not only the Opposition but also the Government as a whole.
I have stated that there will be a phasing-in period for implementation of the Bill, during which time only flagrant and obvious offences will be prosecuted. This will give the industry time to adjust to the new regulations and introduce the concept of self-regulation. This period will extend for six months - for no more than six months, I point out - from the date of commencement of the new Act, and will enable the industry to become familiar with its requirements.
Secondly, Mr Speaker - this is an interesting point - a standard size body for that section of the industry known as mud carters will be agreed on with the Pavement Management Section, Department of Urban Services. Bodies of the size to be agreed on in consultation with the industry will be stamped and checked each year at registration time to ensure continued compliance. A truck with this stamped body will be deemed to comply with the requirements of the Act. This has been referred to in discussions as "no spill, no bill". If we put it in a simple phrase and everyone understands it, everyone is happy. This does not mean that a vehicle will not be checked to determine its weight in such situations as a vehicle carrying a load of galena or rather obvious overloadings - lead ingots, for example. Nevertheless, it relieves the legitimate concerns - - -
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