Page 1903 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 6 June 2017
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
we come to those in the coming weeks. I would also like to note on the record the comments made in the submission to the ACT industry levy discussion paper by Energy Australia that, in effect, there is no perfect model for calculating fees, given the dynamic nature of the energy industry and the support services needed to operate an effective, fair and competitive market.
Again, the legislative changes today aim to reduce the cost and streamline the regulatory burden of doing business in the ACT. Much of it is focused on reducing the effect on the government’s side, but there are, for a change, some small concessions on the business side. Therefore, the Canberra Liberals and the opposition will be supporting this bill today.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (11.20): This bill makes minor amendments to a range of legislation, with the aim of addressing regulatory requirements which may add unnecessary administrative or compliance costs to businesses, the community and government. I do not intend to discuss all of these changes, as they are largely positive, but I would like to comment on a few in particular.
The Greens are pleased to support the amendment to the Domestic Animals Act 2000 to remove the requirements for greyhounds to be muzzled in public places. Greyhounds are by nature gentle and lovable creatures. While the legislation should provide protection against dangerous dogs, there is no reason that the greyhound should be singled out as posing any more of a risk than other dog breeds. We hope that this change will make it easier for people to adopt and care for greyhounds, including those dogs needing to be rehomed as part of the transition towards the end of the greyhound racing industry in the ACT.
The other observation I would make is that this really does make it easier for people who take on those adoptions, when they take their dogs for a walk, and I think it is very much about the image of greyhounds. I think that people have an interesting fear of the dogs because the muzzle makes them look quite fierce. Certainly my experience from meeting many greyhound owners is that those who have adopted greyhounds in recent times, in recognition of the need for them to be rehomed in an appropriate way, find them to be very well-natured dogs. I think that the requirement to remove the muzzle is a positive one in that regard.
Turning to ACNC registered charities, I note the amendments to the Associations Incorporation Act and the Charitable Collections Act to address the reporting and regulatory duplications that arise for charities that are also registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. We recognise that resources within all charities and not-for-profits are often limited and, with regulatory and reporting requirements being imposed by two different jurisdictions, the burden takes away from the services that these organisations provide for their members and the wider community. By amending ACT legislation we are able to reduce some of this burden and, thankfully, help our local charities and not-for-profits focus on delivering the services they provide.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video