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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 9 Hansard (19 November) . . Page.. 2658 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

The current change of use charge formula calculates the charge at 75 per cent of any added value that results from variation, consolidation or subdivision of a lease. The sunset clauses amend the formula by providing for the calculation of the charge at 100 per cent of added value. The clause takes effect from 25 December 1998.

As the Assembly would be aware, the Government has commissioned Professor Des Nicholls of the Australian National University to undertake a change of use charge impact study. This involves examining the efficiency and methodology of the current system and any alternatives. It is a complex process, examining a large number of individual cases, and the findings of the study are not expected to be released until June 1999.

To provide sufficient time for the Government, interest groups and the general community to discuss the findings of the study and any proposed amendments prior to the implementation of the 100 per cent change of use charge, the amending Bill extends the commencement date of sections 184B and 187B by 12 months; that is, the formula providing for 100 per cent change of use charge will not apply until 25 December 1999. This will allow for all issues raised by the study to be considered thoroughly and enable the timely implementation of any legislative amendments that may result from the findings of the study.

Debate (on motion by Mr Corbell) adjourned.

MS CARNELL (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (10.56): On behalf of Mr Moore, I present the Transplantation and Anatomy (Amendment) Bill 1998, together with its explanatory memorandum.

Title read by Clerk.

MS CARNELL: Mr Deputy Speaker, I move:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

The ACT can be proud of its record in organ donation but more can be done to improve our rates. This initiative, this amendment to the Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1978, will help us to help others. Eye donation for the purpose of corneal transplantation has previously been carried out in the ACT only as a component of the multiple harvesting of organs by the New South Wales transplant team. This is because the ACT Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1978 has allowed only an authorised medical practitioner to remove human tissue.

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