Page 5600 - Week 17 - Thursday, 5 December 1991
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GAS LEVY BILL 1991
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (10.38): I present the Gas Levy Bill 1991. I move:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
As part of the 1991-92 budget, I announced the introduction of a levy on the sale of natural gas in the Territory. This Bill provides the legislative framework to enable the assessment and collection of the levy. The Bill imposes a levy of 1.75 per cent on the gross sales of natural gas made by an authorised distributor in the Territory. Currently, there is only one such distributor of natural gas, AGL Canberra Ltd. The Government has agreed with AGL that the company will initially absorb the levy so that there will be no increase in gas prices, which were frozen by my Government in 1989.
The introduction of the levy on the sale of natural gas is part of a wider package to regulate the distribution of gas, which will ensure that the ACT is provided with the best available service and an improved price regime. This measure will bring the ACT into line with New South Wales, which also regulates the industry as well as levying a fee on sales of natural gas distributed throughout that State. It is expected that revenue of $635,000 will be collected in a full year and will continue to increase as the reticulated gas network in the Territory expands.
I present the explanatory memorandum for the Bill.
Motion (by Mr Kaine) proposed:
That the debate be now adjourned.
Mr Collaery: Mr Speaker, Mr Jensen was on his feet before the Liberal leader.
MR SPEAKER: I am afraid, Mr Collaery, that I did not see Mr Jensen.
Mr Collaery: You looked only towards Mr Kaine, with respect.
MR SPEAKER: Order! That is because no-one else was there previously, Mr Collaery. It is normal, if people want the call, to advise me in writing first.
Mr Collaery: There has been no Liberal Whip we can work with today. Mr Speaker, please look down this way, too.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, I take your advice on that, Mr Collaery. I do apologise. I did not see Mr Jensen.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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