Page 1899 - Week 07 - Thursday, 31 May 1990
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Two other matters that do not require any amendment to the Bill have also been the subject of discussion. I believe it is appropriate to remind the Assembly of these to illustrate that the Government has welcomed consultation with the industry and has taken a number of measures to alleviate its concerns.
Firstly, I have agreed that there will be a phasing in period for implementation of the Bill, during which time only flagrant offences will be prosecuted. This period will extend for no more than six months from the date of commencement of the new Act and will enable the industry to become familiar with its requirements. During this period my department will actively publicise the new requirements and do its utmost to ensure that all members of the industry are familiar with their rights and responsibilities.
Secondly, existing registered vehicles will be issued with a permit annually to operate in accordance with the terms of their current registration. A permit under section 28 of the Act applies to vehicles which are not in accordance with part II of the Act, which deals with dimensions and design of vehicles. Vehicles which have high tare weights and which are associated with "no spill, no bill" will be handled individually with terms and conditions specific to each permit.
It is envisaged that this practice, which would continue for a limited time, would vary according to such matters as the age of the vehicle. My department will negotiate details of this arrangement with the industry. The legislation has been developed in consultation with the industry and the Opposition, and my department will continue to be responsive to legitimate concerns that that industry may have. Officers of my department will maintain a close working relationship with those affected by this legislation in its implementation.
Mrs Grassby has now circulated that amendment to clarify clause 38 of the Bill which creates an offence in relation to the loading of a vehicle in contravention of clauses 32 or 33. The Government accepts and welcomes this amendment.
MRS GRASSBY (10.43): Again I thank the Minister for this. There was a problem with the "no spill, no bill" because the unions and the mudcarters still felt that, as the matter was only going to be put in a manual, it could be changed at any time. I pointed out to them, as the department had pointed out to me, that the legislation could be changed at any time too. In this life we cannot expect anyone to promise us that we will be happy for the rest of our lives. Likewise, nobody can promise that the legislation will not change.
After discussions with the union and the Mudcarters Association, we agreed that the Minister had been very lenient and very helpful on this Bill, as had the
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