Page 2582 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 2 July 2008
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Amendment agreed to.
Clause 8, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 9.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (12.16): I seek leave to move amendments Nos 6 and 7 circulated in my name together.
Leave granted.
MR GENTLEMAN: I move amendments Nos 6 and 7 circulated in my name together [see schedule 1 at page 2653].
Amendment 6 replaces part of clause 9 (1) with the words “reflecting the model set out in the amended clause 6”. This reflects the alignment of the hierarchy in the national electricity law.
Amendment 7 ensures, among the other requirements set out within the clause, that the minister, when determining the premium rate, gives priority to any cost under this act that would impact on all electricity consumers. It is imperative that all people be involved in the scheme; as we are all contributors to the problem, so must we all be part of the solution. Having said that, it is important that consideration be given to those less fortunate when determining the premium rate. As such, I have written to the Deputy Chief Minister asking that the cost of the feed-in tariff be taken into consideration when reviewing the concessional rebate scheme next year.
Amendments agreed to.
DR FOSKEY (Molonglo) (12.17): I move amendment No 10 circulated in my name [see schedule 2 at page 2658].
This amendment is another simple one, just to ensure that the minister, when he or she makes a determination on the premium rate to be paid for energy fed into the grid from renewable sources, takes into account the urgent need for action due to climate change. I do believe that this is one the government can support without losing any skin off its nose.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (12.18): I am pleased to announce the government will be supporting this amendment. There have been countless academics preaching the need to address this issue for many years now and the deadline to act is fast approaching and, according to Professor Ross Garnaut in his recent lecture, faster than we all thought. One area that we can facilitate instant change is that of our electricity production from renewable sources.
The ACT government has clearly outlined its intentions to pursue effective climate change policy that highlights the need to reduce the likely effects of climate change. While it is the government’s view that the minister responsible will, as a result of the objects of the act, take into consideration such a need, including such a clause can only strengthen that claim.
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