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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 6 Hansard (19 June) . . Page.. 1798 ..

MR KAINE (continuing):

What is proposed is the replacement of these antiquated instruments with modern, performance-based regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989. Before this can be done, however, it is first necessary to alter the regulation-making powers under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 to allow for the regulations to be framed. The consolidation of occupational health and safety requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 brings the ACT into line with other States and Territories. This removes a cross-border impediment to ACT businesses operating in the region and represents a reduction in red tape. The proposed amendment also allows the Minister to set fees under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989, and amends the powers of the Minister to grant exemptions under that Act. These powers are contained in the older Acts.

Mr Speaker, the Government remains committed to occupational health and safety. In seeking the repeal of these older Acts and regulations, the Government proposes that they be replaced by modern, performance-based regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989. These regulations cover the use of plant in the workplace and the certification of operators of industrial plant and equipment. These will be supplemented by codes of practice and other guidance material, as required. The Occupational Health and Safety Council is working to provide me with advice in this area. The regulations will be based on nationally agreed standards that have been declared by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. Indeed, the plant standard and the certification standard have already been declared as codes of practice under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989. The implementation of these has been impeded by the older Acts remaining on the statute book.

Members will be aware that the building and construction industry in the Territory is in a parlous state. The closure of CFM Kitchens and Canberra Roof Trusses bears mute witness to this. Under the Scaffolding and Lifts Act 1957, a fee called the "notice of intention to commence building work" is levied. Revenue from this in 1997-98 is forecast to be $400,000. The Government is proposing that there be no similar charge under the new regulatory regime for commencing building work in the Territory. This represents a boost for the building industry at a time at which it is sorely needed. Mr Speaker, I commend this Bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Berry) adjourned.

MR MOORE (11.01): Mr Speaker, I move:

That Subordinate Law No. 7 of 1997, relating to remissions of Change of Use Charges and related matters, and made under the Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1992, be amended, pursuant to the Subordinate Laws Act 1989, as follows:

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