Page 4873 - Week 16 - Tuesday, 26 November 1991
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In the area of micro-economic reform, Premiers and Chief Ministers received a report from the chairman of the National Electricity Grid Management Council, Mr John Landels, on the progress of the council's work. The council has considered a draft national grid protocol and a timetable on the need for additional generating capacity. The draft protocol will be used as a basis for a round of public consultations starting next month. Progress made by the council is particularly important to the ACT, as we are its sole consumer member. At the Adelaide meeting, I emphasised the need to establish a firm timetable for improved consumer access to the electricity grid.
I received an assurance from Mr Landels that the council will be pursuing the process for direct arrangements between customers and generators and will advise State and Territory leaders of the timetable for this at our next meeting.
Mr Speaker, to turn to regulatory reform: An agreement was signed to implement mutual recognition of goods and qualifications between jurisdictions. Under the agreement, goods which can be sold lawfully in one jurisdiction can be sold freely in other jurisdictions. Similarly, occupational qualifications will be recognised across State and Territory borders. This arrangement creates a common market for goods and services in Australia's States and Territories. For the ACT, it is particularly important in view of our close relations with the surrounding region of New South Wales.
An agreement was also signed to establish a national framework for regulating building societies and credit unions, sometimes referred to as non-bank financial institutions. This is another important initiative in terms of micro-economic reform. Through measures to ensure the stability and security of these institutions, the agreement will enhance consumer protection and investor confidence.
A further outcome of the Adelaide meeting was agreement to a national scheme for regulating and registering light vehicles. This will result, for the first time, in uniform rules of the road across Australia.
State and Territory leaders also agreed to finalise with the Commonwealth an intergovernmental agreement on the environment. The completion of this agreement is essential to ensure effective intergovernmental cooperation in environmental matters. For the first time, all levels of government in Australia will set out their roles and responsibilities in environmental policy and management matters.
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