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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 10 Hansard (25 September) . . Page.. 3420 ..

It is proposed that in the majority of cases this would be effected through a regulatory fee attached to a licence that allows an entity to operate in the ACT.

The Bill allows for the ACTEW inquiry being undertaken by the Energy and Water Charges Commission to be completed under the new legislation.

Other features of the Bill are the standing powers of the Commission to deal with investigation and arbitration issues affecting regulated industries.

However, only the Minister is able to deem a particular economic activity as a regulated industry for the purpose of the Act.

The penalty provisions for non-compliance with orders of the Commission are a significant element of the Bill.

The unique nature of the industries that the Commission is likely to regulate require the level of penalties recommended. These industries (such as electricity, water, gas and road transport) have a direct and large influence on the general economic well-being of the Territory economy.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Commission is a Statutory Authority with regulatory functions. It is a body corporate with the legal capacity of a natural person, however, these powers are limited by the statutory provisions of the Bill.

Like other Statutory Authorities, the Commission will be required to provide an annual report to the Legislative Assembly.

Staff of the Commission will be employed under the Public Sector Management Act and it is proposed that the existing Energy and Water Charges Commissioner will become the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Commissioner until the expiry of his current appointment.

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