Page 2263 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 23 June 2010
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In recognition of the environmental imperative … I make the commitment that … the ACT will introduce appropriate legislation for new and replacement water heaters in class 1 buildings by 1 May 2010, to be effective no later than 1 July 2010.
Minister, why did you break this promise to introduce legislation specifically for replacement hot-water heaters, and will you legislate for replacement hot-water heaters to take effect by 1 July this year?
MR BARR: I thank Ms Le Couteur for the question. As I understand the situation, the requisite issues to be addressed can be done through some form of regulation and in relation to a COAG process. I will seek some further clarification from the Planning and Land Authority, but my understanding is that the regulations that Ms Le Couteur refers to were in fact enacted on 3 May. I will double-check as to whether we are talking about the same regulations, but I do understand there was a press release issued as to why something did not happen on 1 May. I understand 1 May was a Saturday and the regulations came into effect on 3 May, which was a Monday. I do recall there being some issues in the media in relation to that.
Let me double-check with the Planning and Land Authority. My understanding is that these matters have been addressed through regulations, but if I am wrong, I will correct the record for the Assembly this afternoon.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Le Couteur, a supplementary question?
MS LE COUTEUR: Just to clarify, Mr Barr, I think that what he announced on 3 May was—
MR SPEAKER: Preamble, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Sorry—it was for new hot-water systems, anyway, on 3 May. Noting that you refused to actually support or amend the Greens’ bill to improve the efficiency of hot-water heaters in August last year, will you now commit to a new date to introduce legislation for replacement hot-water heaters?
MR BARR: I will look at the issue and see how it fits within the government’s legislative priorities.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Hunter?
MS HUNTER: Minister, given that you have not acted to ensure the use of energy efficient hot-water systems which would save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, how are you acting on the environmental imperative in terms of household energy use?
MR BARR: Ms Hunter might be aware that the Building Code of Australia 2010 edition came into effect on 1 May and there are transitional arrangements in place.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan, a supplementary question?
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