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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 1 Hansard (15 February) . . Page.. 126 ..

MS CARNELL (continuing):

A number of amendments are proposed to the Duties Act 1999. These include an exemption for duty for changes of motor vehicle registrations as a result of the National Motor Vehicle Registration Scheme Bill, and changes to address some anomalies and deficiencies in this Act.

Mr Speaker, in the event that this Assembly agrees to proceed with the proposed partnership of ACTEW and AGL, a legislative framework will be introduced for the formation, operation and Legislative Assembly oversight of the proposed partnership for the provision of energy, water and sewerage services in the ACT. Mr Speaker, the Government also intends to introduce utilities legislation. The proposed legislation replaces and enhances the existing framework of regulation of utilities operating in the ACT, including a licensing regime for the various sectors of the industry.

The Milk Authority (Amendment) Bill will present the final stage in the reforming of this industry. It will provide for the repeal of the Act, which will abolish the Milk Authority of the ACT, remove home vendor or zone licence regulation, and the Treasurer's milk prices control powers contained in the Act.

The Bookmakers Act 1985 will be amended to reflect the Government's response to recommendations flowing from the national competition policy review of the Act. In particular, the Government has signified its intention to grant further sports betting licences.

Mr Speaker, following the repeal of legislation affecting the ACT public sector appeal rights by the Commonwealth, it is proposed to introduce amendments to replace the interim agreements agreed by the Assembly late last year in the Public Sector Legislation Amendment Act 1999. The proposed amendments will put in place new review and appeal systems that do not rely on Commonwealth links.

Mr Speaker, two significant criminal law initiatives will be introduced during the autumn sittings. The Crimes (Investigation Procedures) Amendment Bill 2000 will incorporate into one piece of legislation all provisions dealing with criminal investigation procedures, including those in the Children's Services Act 1986 and the Crimes Act 1900. The Bill will also incorporate, with some modifications, the provisions of the Model Forensic Procedures Bill developed by the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General. These provisions will establish a national DNA database that will enhance the capacity of the Australian Federal Police to detect and investigate serious criminal offenders, as well as to absolve innocent suspects. The Bill will include provisions relating to the taking, use and storage of DNA samples and the utilisation of the DNA database.

Mr Speaker, I intend for the ACT to be at the forefront of development of this important legislation. Of course, Mr Speaker, the challenge is now on the Opposition to do as their New South Wales colleagues are doing and support this significant package of laws reforming the law on investigation procedures.

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