Page 466 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 20 February 2019
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between wet and dry cannabis to reflect differences in weight at different stages of processing.
Our amendments will aim to address implementation challenges with the bill as it stands and include clear definitions that will support ACT Policing to clearly distinguish between small-scale, individual cannabis users and those who would seek to be involved in more serious or organised crime. The government also intends that the legislation will include provision for a mandatory review to take place not more than two years after legalisation occurs, with the full impacts and effects of this change being evaluated at that point to guide any further policy reform.
There are a range of further issues which we are currently considering and which may result in further amendments as we work through them. We intend to take the time required to get this right. We understand that this is a reform the Canberra community wants to see made, but we also know it is a reform that has to be delivered carefully, in recognition of the fact that we are moving ahead of other Australian jurisdictions and the commonwealth, although we are by no means global leaders on this issue. I look forward to working with Mr Pettersson and all members in this place on a series of amendments that can secure the support of Assembly members and see this bill passed.
Debate interrupted in accordance with standing order 74 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour.
Sitting suspended from 12.06 to 2.00 pm.
Questions without notice
Building—reforms
MR COE: I have a question for the Minister for Building Quality Improvement. I refer to the previous minister’s commitment, made in June 2016, to implement 42 building regulatory reforms by the end of 2017 and a 43rd reform by the end of 2017-18. Minister, how many of the reforms are operating as of today?
MR RAMSAY: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question and for the interest that sneaks through every now and then from the opposition in relation to building quality improvement. The ACT government is committed to following through on all of the matters. I will confirm if the number is not accurate, but my understanding is that there are approximately 14 in place at the moment, there will be a further round in place by the end of this financial year, and the remainder will be in place by the end of this parliamentary term. I will have further information and further announcements on that in the coming days and weeks.
MR COE: Minister, what has prevented the government from delivering the regulatory reforms promised by the Labor government?
MR RAMSAY: There have been a number of matters in this area that are quite dependent on cooperative work across the jurisdictions. One of the things that we know is that issues around building quality are not restricted to the ACT. In fact, that
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