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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 01 Hansard (Thursday, 12 February 2004) . . Page.. 336 ..

looking at the effectiveness of this whole dangerous substances regime will also look specifically at the effectiveness of the fireworks licensing and control system.

Until now, officers of the department and the minister’s staff have been assiduous in assisting our understanding of this legislation and engaging in discussion of the issues contained within the legislation. I am happy to support the bill at this stage on the understanding that this enthusiasm will be maintained in addressing any problems which may arise with regard to the effective implementation of provisions of the act on the one hand or arguable, unreasonable attacks on people’s civil liberties which this bill may risk, in some ways, on the other.

MS GALLAGHER (Minister for Education, Youth and Family Services, Minister for Women and Minister for Industrial Relations) (5.06), in reply: I thank members for their contributions to the debate on the Dangerous Substances Bill 2003. The comments show a level of interest in this legislation by all, and I appreciate that.

Comments have been made about consultation. I accept that the bill introduced in December did not give an ideal time for consultation. This is a very comprehensive piece of legislation and it seeks to do a number of things. It was intended to deal with this bill completely tonight, but because of the number of amendments that I need to pay attention to—not only my own but those of other members—I thought it was a sensible only to debate the bill in principle. I acknowledge not only the level of work that has gone into getting this bill ready in December in preparation for the fireworks over the June long weekend but also the tremendous efforts of people in the Office of Industrial Relations and in my office in dealing with inquiries and consultations between December and now.

This legislation has been discussed in a number of forums, particularly at the Occupational Health and Safety Council, where there is broad employer representation. The council has been established under the act to provide advice to me on issues around OH&S and the Industrial Relations portfolio. To some extent, the government relies on representatives on that council to consult with their constituencies about issues that are being considered at the council.

I understand that a briefing was held on Tuesday evening with the chamber of commerce. All the concerns they had with the bill were addressed in that forum. So whilst it was not an ideal time to do it, I commend officers in the department and in my office for their efforts in dealing with the number of meetings and providing information to members and members’ offices over the past two months.

It certainly will be the intention of the government to proceed with the date of effect being the end of March this year. We can look at what additional consultations can be held over the next two weeks before we debate the detail stage of the bill. This legislation needs to come into effect before the June long weekend. Enough time should be given for everyone to look at it and be aware of their responsibilities.

The Dangerous Substances Bill before the Assembly today is about effective regulation of explosives and other dangerous chemicals to ensure the safety of people, property and the environment. As such, it is one of the government’s highest priorities. Increasing threats to national security and public safety have prompted the government to review

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