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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 10 Hansard (24 September) . . Page.. 3597 ..

MR PRATT (continuing):

In summary: firstly, the Dangerous Goods Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 bans the retail sale of shopgoods fireworks in the ACT. Secondly, it gives in effect model rocket propellant devices the same status as fireworks. Thirdly, it introduces the definition of dangerous use of fireworks and model rocket propellant devices as "a way that is likely to endanger the health or safety of or cause distress or suffering to a person or animal or damage property". Fourthly, it restricts the use of all fireworks to certified pyrotechnicians and government approved community organisations. Fifthly, it permits community organisations restrictive use of fireworks only at the Queen's Birthday long weekend between 5.00 pm and 10.00 pm on prescribed nights. It also introduces stricter penalties for the illegal sale and use of fireworks. Finally, it ensures that the penalties are enforced.

Included in the bill are changes to the definition of "use"to put beyond doubt what "use"of a firework may mean and to extend its meaning to include the ignition of a firework that may not result in an explosion and the ignition of a model rocket propellant that may not result in the firing of the device. The bill will also include changes to the definition of "firework". It also substantially increases penalties in line with the Dangerous Goods Regulations. It consists of two new sections, 26F and 26G. (Extension of time granted.) Regulations have also been amended to require fireworks to be kept in an external magazine, except fireworks for public fireworks displays and exempt fireworks.

The Dangerous Goods Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 is a necessary step in the protection and wellbeing of the Canberra community. The foundation of the bill was laid by the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs report No 3, and I would like to remind Mr Hargreaves that he of course was a member of that committee. I am thankful for the supportive and constructive comments in this debate today by Ms Tucker and by my colleague Mr Stefaniak, who was also a member of that committee. I also thank Mr Smyth for his erudite and supportive comments for this wonderful initiative.

The bill is heavily supported by the Canberra community, evidenced by the petitions to ban the retail sale of shopgoods fireworks that will be tabled later today. I commend this bill to the Assembly. I also seek leave to table an explanatory statement.

Leave granted.

MR PRATT: I table the explanatory statement to the bill.

Question put:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

The Assembly voted-

Question so resolved in the negative.

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