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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 7 Hansard (18 June) . . Page.. 1833 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

principles to underpin the draft access code, and the council agreed that the access code should apply to distribution systems as well as transmission pipelines. It is planned that the Commonwealth Minister for Resources and Energy will convene a meeting of the State and Territory Energy Ministers to settle on the means of regulation which will maximise competition and facilitate investment in the gas industry.

Mr Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement was signed at the meeting, with the New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia present at the signing ceremony. The arrangement provides for goods acceptable for sale in Australia to be sold in New Zealand, and vice versa. It also provides for persons registered to practise an occupation in Australia to practise an equivalent occupation in New Zealand, and vice versa. The arrangement will come into operation as early as possible in 1997, following the passage of the necessary legislation in the Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand. I believe that the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement will be mutually beneficial to Australia and New Zealand, and it is expected to enhance the international competitiveness of Australian and New Zealand enterprises.

Finally, Mr Speaker, a report on Northern Territory statehood was received from the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. This report included progress made on the issue since the April 1995 meeting of COAG. The Commonwealth has indicated its willingness to facilitate statehood for the Northern Territory according to a negotiated timetable and through a truly cooperative federal partnership. It was agreed at COAG that the issue of statehood for the Northern Territory will be taken forward primarily in bilateral discussions between the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory. However, the States and the ACT will be consulted on issues affecting them or in which they express an interest.

Overall, the meeting of heads of government produced real progress on reforms as well as clearly setting the boundaries between States and Territories and the Commonwealth. We will continue to work together with other jurisdictions to progress reform and improve outcomes for the ACT community. The next meeting of the council is planned to be in Brisbane in November this year. I present the following paper:

Premiers Conference, Australian Loan Council and the Meeting of the Council of Australian Governments - ministerial statement, 18 June 1996.

I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

MR WHITECROSS (Leader of the Opposition) (4.08): Mr Speaker, we have just heard the most extraordinary and pathetic defence of the outrageous approach that the Commonwealth has taken to the funding of the States and Territories.

Mrs Carnell: I did not defend it, not even one bit. I think it is hopeless.

MR WHITECROSS: We shall see, Mrs Carnell.

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