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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 5 Hansard (1 May) . . Page.. 1297 ..

Building industry-private certification

MR HARGREAVES: Mr Speaker, my question, through you, is to the Minister for Urban Services. Minister, the discussion paper on the review of private certification in the ACT building industry released last April showed that building complaints to BEPCON rose nearly 100 per cent from just over 100 in the six months pre private certification, to just under 200 in the six months following its introduction. Minister, why did these complaints increase?

MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, that is the whole point of the review. We said that when we introduced the legislation we would look at what its effects were. The review has been done and I now have the paper back. As we do when we introduce any new legislation, we will look at how effective it is, how it works and whether it needs to be modified or left as it is. That is the reason why we have had such a review. I have now received the consultant's report. We are considering that and I will release it shortly.

MR HARGREAVES: Mr Speaker, I have a supplementary question, given that the minister did not answer the question about why the complaints increased. Can the minister say if any action has been taken by BEPCON in relation to non-compliance with building regulations by private building certifiers since the introduction of the scheme?

MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, of course, we have a compliance section. We take very seriously our obligations to make sure that the law is upheld. I do not have the detail with me of the number of actions that BEPCON have taken. I will be happy to inquire on behalf of the member as to what actions have been taken and the outcomes of those actions.

Red Hill housing precinct

MR CORBELL: My question is to the Minister for Urban Services. Minister, a few sittings ago in this place the Assembly resolved to request you to direct the ACT Planning Authority to review the Territory Plan to ensure that no more than one dwelling per block was permitted in the old Red Hill housing precinct. What action have you taken to implement or otherwise the resolution of the Assembly.

MR SMYTH: Mr Speaker, I sought advice from PALM in respect of the Assembly's resolution. I have now received that advice and will make a decision shortly.

TransACT

MR QUINLAN: My question is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, could you bring us up to date on the quantum of shareholding that the government has in TransACT, presumably through the equity held by the Actew shell?

MR HUMPHRIES: I thank Mr Quinlan for that question. I have taken a question this calendar year from Mr Osborne on this issue. My recollection is that Actew's shareholding was in the vicinity of 20 per cent. I am afraid I cannot tell you what the percentage held by particular parties to that shareholding might be. I will take that question on notice and give you an answer as soon as I can.

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