Page 2729 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 26 September 2007
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irritation of many members of the public by the noise of what people describe as explosions during the night hours of the Queen’s Birthday weekend, and often after the permitted time of 10.00 pm.
I should say, Mr Deputy Speaker, that the fireworks that are authorised for sale should not and do not include fireworks that make a loud noise on discharge. It is clear that our fireworks period is used as an occasion for the use of illegal explosives, and this causes me considerable concern for the safety of the community.
As we know, Mr Deputy Speaker, there will always be those who take advantage of the fireworks period to go further than they are allowed to and engage in dangerous and vexatious behaviour. Despite the heavy penalties for individuals who misuse fireworks, some people still do so. It is also well known that heavy penalties do not necessarily deter criminal behaviour.
In addition to the danger to the community of the use of illegal explosives, every year there are also considerable costs involved in administering the regime. These costs include: the processing of applications for fireworks to be authorised for sale; the administration of licences to sell fireworks and of the licensing of particular sale premises; and the sampling and assessment of fireworks. Then there are the costs of policing the period, of the WorkCover inspectorate’s activities and of the enforcement of the regime by way of penalty notices and court action.
Mr Deputy Speaker, this government is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy community for all. If we want to continue to allow the purchase and discharge of consumer fireworks in the future, we will have to consider whether the enjoyment of some people and the employment sustained by the fireworks sector are balanced by the costs to the welfare of other people and their companion animals and other animals, to property and to the territory.
Mr Deputy Speaker, the government acknowledges that many in the community use fireworks in a responsible manner and enjoy the availability of fireworks as a unique aspect of living in the ACT. The dangerous substances legislation is to be reviewed this year, and I understand the regime controlling fireworks will be given close attention. Can I ask that the minister ensure that this review is thorough and extensive. The use of consumer fireworks is something which many Canberrans feel strongly about. I expect that all residents will have ample opportunity to provide input before the government make any further decisions regarding the future regulation of these products. I look forward to the report of this review when the minister brings it to the attention of the Assembly.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Planning, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Minister for Industrial Relations) (5.27): As Ms Porter indicated, the government is going to conduct a full review of the Dangerous Substances Act, and it is this act that provides a statutory framework for the regulation of dangerous goods and hazardous substances, including asbestos, explosives and consumer fireworks. The objective of the act, Mr Deputy Speaker, is to protect the health and safety of people and to protect property and the environment from damage from the hazards associated with various dangerous substances.
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