Page 1276 - Week 04 - Thursday, 8 May 2014
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contribution to the debate. As members are aware, the finding of the Auditor-General’s performance audit into the water and sewerage process which was released in April was that there may be a question, based upon a legal opinion, of the validity of the terms of reference.
This obviously, as Mr Rattenbury has indicated, is contested by a number of other parties. But in order to put the issue beyond any doubt whatsoever, and to confirm the validity of the price direction, the government has responded to the Auditor-General’s recommendations in this way.
This bill not only confirms the validity of the terms of reference and the price direction but, importantly, provides clarity for the newly appointed industry panel who will review the ICRC’s price direction. And it is critical that the panel is able to undertake their work with certainty. In order to ensure that the absence of a specified period within the terms of reference does not impact upon the industry panel, the bill provides guidance about the regulatory period that can be set by the industry panel should they substitute a new price direction following their deliberation.
Most members would be aware that the industry panel has been appointed. It is chaired by Mary Anne Hartley QC, and she is joined by Sally Farrier and Claire Thomas in this important work. This process will continue throughout 2014, I anticipate. Having had an introductory meeting with the industry panel members, I am sure that their combined experience and extensive knowledge of price regulation and regulated industries will be invaluable as they consider ACTEW’s application for review.
Having said that, I thank members for their support of the legislation and commend it to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
Debate resumed from 20 March 2014, on motion by Mr Corbell:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (11.09): The Canberra Liberals will be supporting this bill. It makes minor non-controversial amendments to legislation administered by the JACS directorate. Six acts and two regulations are amended. I am aware of an amendment that the government will propose in the detail stage of the debate, and I foreshadow that the opposition will be supporting that amendment also.
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