Page 2951 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 14 September 1994
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hot-water services. I also welcome the specific provision in the Bill for the recognition in the ACT of electricians licences and permits granted in other States and Territories. While the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 already provides for this recognition, it is useful that a person consulting the Electricity Act 1971 will be able to gain a clear understanding of this entitlement without needing to consult other legislation.
The Bill also provides for the establishment of an Electrical Licensing Board for the ACT. I took great interest in this and sought information on who would be represented on the board, the rationale for their being on the board and what board members would do. I also requested additional information about the composition of similar bodies in other States and Territories. I was particularly pleased to see that the ACT will have a consumer representative on the board - a decision which I wholeheartedly support. Consumer interest and the question of the adequate protection of consumers under the new legislation will be extremely important considerations in assessing the success of the new arrangements. It would also be useful to establish an appropriate public education and awareness campaign to inform community members about the changes embodied in this legislation. It would be a good idea, I believe, to provide appropriate information to every householder in the ACT.
It seems that the new board is not expected to meet very often, most likely once a quarter. This contrasts with the frequency of meetings held by equivalent boards in other jurisdictions. For example, in New South Wales they are held every month; in South Australia they are held every fortnight; and in Tasmania they are held every month. I would appreciate the Minister explaining why board meetings will be held so infrequently in the ACT. Perhaps he can provide that information to us today.
For members' information, I should note that some evidence has been presented to me that difficulties have been experienced in introducing the new arrangements in New South Wales. I understand that some argument exists regarding State and local government responsibilities. Fortunately, this is a problem that the ACT will not experience because of our unique form of government which combines both State and local government responsibilities. In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I am happy at present to support the changes being introduced with this Bill. I would, however, appreciate the Minister reporting to the Assembly over the next 12 months or so - or perhaps between now and the next election, if that is possible - and informing members how the new arrangements are working in practice.
MR LAMONT (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Housing and Community Services, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (5.19), in reply: I thank members for their support for this important piece of reform legislation to implement the national uniformity principles in the electricity industry. I understand that the frequency of meetings of the board has been determined on the basis of the expected need, given the smaller size of this jurisdiction compared with the State of New South Wales, for example, and consequentially the smaller numbers of electricians that it is proposed be licensed in the ACT. Madam Speaker, I thank the Opposition for their support for this Bill.
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