MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

However, due to circumstances beyond the Government's control, the negotiations on this issue may extend beyond this expiry date. Mr Speaker, to avoid the possibility of a legal challenge to the ACT's fees and charges, this Bill proposes to extend the expiry of the remaining provisions of the Act until 30 June 2002.

Extending the expiry date will ensure this issue can be resolved in a considered manner while allowing more time for preparation of legislation.

Mr Speaker, while the amendment is of a minor and technical nature, the effect of it not proceeding through this Assembly during the current sittings may place the ACT revenue base under some risk, therefore I ask leave that this matter be debated during next weeks sittings.

Mr Speaker, I commend this Bill to the Assembly.

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

Mr Speaker, today I am introducing the Land Amendment Bill 2001 (No 3).

In December 1999, the Assembly passed changes to the Land (Planning and Environment ) Act 1991. These changes implemented the Government's new rural lease policy. For the first time, rural lessees could apply for 99 year leases in some areas.

The new policy formalised a number of environmental and land management initiatives through the requirement that most lessees enter into a Land Management Agreement with the Territory.

As an incentive to rural lessees, they were given an 18 month opportunity to take up a new policy lease at a concessional rate. After this period lessees wishing to apply for a new policy lease would be required to pay market value.

Implementation of the new legislation included the tabling of a disallowable instrument which specified the maximum rural lease term applicable to certain areas of the ACT.