Page 883 - Week 03 - Thursday, 2 April 2020
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Government—energy efficiency rating scheme
(Question No 2932)
Ms Le Couteur asked the Minister for Building Quality Improvement, upon notice, on 21 February 2020:
(1) In relation to the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) disclosure rating scheme, is it correct that the FirstRate software required to conduct EER disclosure ratings is no longer available to new assessors, as it is no longer supported by the supplier; if not, how can potential assessors access the software; if so, what is the Government doing to ensure that the number of building energy assessors remains at a level to ensure adequate competition for this service.
(2) How many assessors are active at present, and is this number declining.
(3) What is the Government doing to ensure the ongoing viability of the EER disclosure system, given the age of FirstRate.
Mr Ramsay: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The versions of FirstRate software used for the assessment of existing dwellings for energy efficiency rating statements are no longer provided by the software developer. However, potential assessors may be able to access the software from people in the private sector who have copies. There is a licensing pathway for people to obtain an endorsement in the relevant versions of FirstRate.
(2) In general, the cohort of assessors who undertake assessments of existing homes for mandatory disclosure at sale or lease of premises focus on those assessments rather than assess new building work for compliance with building laws. At present, there are approximately 25 assessors who are licensed to operate versions of FirstRate used for energy efficiency rating statements of existing homes. Some previous assessors no longer operate, and some licensed assessors do not assess existing homes for sale of premises ratings. However, new assessors have been licensed to operate the software and are active in the market.
(3) The Government is currently reviewing the existing system, including to determine the most appropriate replacement for the current software that provides suitable functionality for assessing existing buildings and use in a mandatory system.
Transport Canberra—MyWay payment system
(Question No 2933)
Ms Le Couteur asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 21 February 2020:
(1) In relation to the proposed replacement for MyWay cards, will cash fares remain an option.
(2) Will concession fare payers and students be able to access reduced-cost fares when tapping on with a credit card.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video