Page 3109 - Week 08 - Thursday, 7 August 2008
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MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (6:47): With the indulgence of members, given that I did not speak on the last amendment, I will speak to why I brought that one forward. I am sure there will be no objection.
Mr Hargreaves: No.
MR SESELJA: Firstly, in terms of government amendment 3, we identified this as an anomaly and I am pleased to see the government respond to that. In relation to my proposed amendment 1, it would have looked at the fax requirements, given that fax machines are technology which is quickly being superseded by scanners and emails. We believe it would have done the job.
Going to government amendment 4, we support this amendment. I understand ACTCOSS requested this change. The amendment clarifies that registration as an affordable provider is not restricted to any of the existing providers which get ACT government funding, which I do not think would have been the intention of the original piece. This amendment permits the entry of new providers. We believe that that is what this bill should be geared towards—expanding the supply from new and innovative providers. Therefore, we support the amendment.
Amendment agreed to.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (6:49): I move amendment No 5 circulated in my name [see schedule 2 at page 3115].
The government will amend section 25G to confirm that property in section 25G (d) is defined to mean residential housing properties as recommended by ACTCOSS. This is consistent with the original drafting intention. It should be noted that this provision ensures that only those providers with 10 or more properties are subject to the legislation; small operators are excluded.
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (6:49): We will be supporting this amendment. Once again, the providers have sought this change. It clarifies that we are not including commercial property—only residential. We have no problem; we will be supporting this amendment.
Amendment agreed to.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (6:49): I move amendment No 6 circulated in my name [see schedule 2 at page 3115].
This amendment to section 25I ensures that the instrument establishing a standard is a disallowable instrument subject to the usual scrutiny, including a possibility of review by the Assembly. It is one of the major planks that the Greens wanted inserted in this legislation, and we are happy to oblige.
DR FOSKEY (Molonglo) (6:50): As Mr Hargreaves said, this was an amendment that the Greens were very keen on having in the legislation. It is really good that the
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