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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 7 Hansard (29 June) . . Page.. 2194 ..
MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):
Consumers are to have responsibility for the safety of their gas systems and appliances. They must take reasonable steps to ensure they are in good condition and repair and that they are used in a safe manner.
Gasfitters and other accredited persons have responsibility to ensure the systems and appliances they work on are safe. The Bill provides that only qualified people may do the work and that such work must comply with standards specified through regulations and codes of practice.
Safety of gas appliances is to be regulated through a cooperative effort between the Chief Executive of Urban Services, industry and appliance retailers. Each participant is to have some responsibilities.
While the purpose of this Bill is to mitigate serious gas accidents, the Bill quite rightly establishes a framework for dealing with them. There are reporting requirements, and provisions designed to prevent interference at accident sites.
As has been mentioned in passing, the Chief Executive of Urban Services is to assume the regulatory role under this Bill. This arrangement is consistent with that for electricity, water and sewerage. Some of the Chief Executive's functions include the ability to test gas appliances, to cancel approvals of unsafe appliances and to ensure traders only sell approved appliances.
The enforcement provisions in this Bill parallel those in the Utilities Bill and the Bills regulating similar activities.
Mr Speaker, the Government intends to consult with industry participants prior to the debate on this Bill. I am aware of the need to especially consult with the Australian Gas Association and gas appliance retailers about the enhanced role for Government in the regulation of gas appliances.
Debate (on motion by Mr Quinlan ) adjourned.
MR HUMPHRIES (Treasurer, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Community Safety) (10.36): Mr Speaker, I present the Taxation Administration Amendment Bill 2000, together with its explanatory memorandum.
Title read by Clerk.
MR HUMPHRIES: I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
I seek leave to have my presentation speech incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.
The speech read as follows:
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