Page 2359 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 16 September 1992
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Subsequently, the AAT gave a ruling that the compensation should be $1m, based on the claim of the lessee that it was not just the improvements for which compensation should be paid but goodwill also. I am sure that members will be aware of the implications of that. So $700,000 was the balance of that $1m. The Government has appealed to the Supreme Court on that matter; so I can make no other comment, you will appreciate. The appeal was heard some time in mid to late July. No judgment has yet been handed down, and we await with great interest what that judgment has to say.
MR MOORE: I ask a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. If there is a chance that valuations will take into account goodwill, which would be a considerable cost to the Territory, are you in the process of preparing amendments to legislation to ensure that that does not happen in the future?
MR WOOD: It is a matter that you can be well aware is much in our minds, Mr Moore. It may be early days. Let us wait and see what the judgment has to say. We will be quite activated if that decision is upheld.
Mr Kaine: And aggravated.
MR WOOD: I must not comment, Mr Kaine.
Certificates of Occupancy
MR WESTENDE: My question is directed to the Minister for Urban Services and relates to the issuing of certificates of occupancy by the building branch, especially in relation to the plumbing and electrical approvals from ACTEW. Is the Minister aware that a certificate is issued by the plumbing branch of ACTEW, but that normally no certificate is issued after the electrical inspection but a straightforward connection is made? Is the Minister also aware that the building branch is currently refusing to issue certificates of occupancy because of their insistence that they require both a plumbing certificate and an electrical certificate? As this problem between ACTEW and the building section is delaying the occupancy of some projects, will the Minister indicate what action will be taken to solve this problem, and when?
MR CONNOLLY: Mr Westende draws attention to a quite serious matter. Members would be aware that some months ago a report came to light which indicated that there were some problems with compliance in the home building industry. The Government moved very swiftly after that report came to light because, clearly, the home building industry is a vital sector of the Canberra economy. It is one of the most vibrant areas of the private sector in this town, and we were absolutely concerned to ensure that public confidence in the building industry was maintained. There are too many jobs at stake to allow confidence in the building sector to be undermined. As a result, I gave very clear instructions that Building Control were to be vigilant and ensure that all standards and regulations were enforced.
It would appear that there are some problems in relation to electrical inspection certificates, which for quite some time, it would appear, have not been enforced and have not been required. It is a requirement of the Act and regulations that there be that final electrical inspection. For some time that may not have been required de facto, although it was in the law. I have Building Control and ACTEW working on this. It may be, if we are convinced that it is safe to do so,
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