Page 1418 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 16 April 1991
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MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND URBAN SERVICES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION
QUESTION NO 385
Electrical Regulation and Inspections
Ms Follett - asked the Minister for Finance and Urban Services:
(1) Is it the case that electrical regulatory and inspectorial functions now performed by Australian Capital Territory Electricity and Water Authority (ACTEW) are to be transferred to the Department of Urban Services upon the corporatisation of ACTEW.
(2) Is it the case that a process of deregulation of electrical contractors is to be implemented along with this transfer of responsibility.
(3) Will there be a reduction of inspection and testing as a result of deregulation
(4) What legislative controls will exist in any new deregulated environment. Will such controls be put in place before the responsibility for the function is removed from ACTEW.
(S) What protection from liability for electrical installation inspectors or for workers in the industry will be provided.
(6) What consultation have you undertaken on any proposals you have to change the system of electrical regulation and inspection.
Mr Duby - the answer to the Members question is as follows:
(1) Yes, the transfer of electrical regulatory and inspectorial functions to the Department of Urban Services is planned to occur on or before 1 July 1991.
(2) A process of deregulation is to be put in place with ACTEW assisting in the development of the new regulatory model and the Department of Urban Services will manage its implementation. Implementation will occur after development of appropriate legislative support. The process will commence after transfer of regulatory functions from ACTEW to MS.
(3) Since 1977 electrical regulatory authorities throughout Australia have been reviewing obligations in respect to electrical installation inspections. Queensland and the Northern Territory have already made legislative changes which reduce the Inspecting Authority to undertaking "quality assurance" inspections. All other States are currently implementing a similar procedure. Under the new arrangements the electrical contractor certifies that the work is undertaken in accordance with all relevant standards. As in any inspection system "quality assurance" principles are a proven and cost effective system of ensuring standards are satisfied.
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