Page 1309 - Week 05 - Thursday, 31 May 2007
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long weekend is traditionally in Canberra the fireworks weekend. The government continues to support—
Mrs Dunne: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: there is a general convention in this place that we call things by their proper name. This weekend is not fireworks weekend or fireworks night, but the Queen’s birthday weekend.
MR SPEAKER: I am not aware of such a convention. If we were bound to call everything by its correct name, some of us would not have much to do.
MR CORBELL: It is the weekend during which fireworks are used. The government continues to remind Canberrans of the importance of using fireworks safely and in accordance with the law. As members would be aware, fireworks are legal for sale over the seven-day period commencing next Monday, but only from an authorised retailer and only for use during Saturday, Sunday or Monday of the long weekend, between 5.00 pm and 10.00 pm.
The government will be taking a series of steps to ensure that both retailers and consumers know their obligations but also are adhering to their obligations under the law. Firstly, the Office of Regulatory Services will be conducting spot checks of retailers throughout this period, particularly over the long weekend period itself, to make sure that retailers are complying with their obligations to sell fireworks in accordance with the law and to make sure that they are informing consumers of their own obligations in relation to use.
In addition, over the long weekend itself, the Office of Regulatory Services inspectorate and ACT Policing will be mounting a joint operation to ensure that any complaints about fireworks use are promptly attended to. The Office of Regulatory Services will be placing an officer within the police communications room to provide a quick response to any complaints about fireworks use during the Queen’s birthday long weekend and to make sure that either police of ORS inspectors are available to attend as soon as possible to address any concerns arising from complaints associated with fireworks use.
Traditionally, we get an increase in the number of complaints at this time of the year. In particular, we are confident, as a government, that the use often continues past the long weekend into the following weeks. This is illegal. If people have fireworks that they have not used during the long weekend period itself, they cannot continue to use them after that time legally and need to dispose of them in a safe manner without letting them off.
There are significant penalties in place for those people who fail to comply with these requirements. For an individual, a $3,000 fine is a possibility for illegal use. The possession, supply or use of prohibited fireworks can lead to fines of up to $200,000. We will be paying particular attention to any retailer who is selling illegal fireworks, fireworks that have not been approved for consumer use, as well as anyone who uses such fireworks over the coming period. Hopefully, this means that we can enjoy, overall, a safe and enjoyable fireworks long weekend.
Mr Stanhope: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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