Page 947 - Week 04 - Thursday, 7 May 2020
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A change to the Rates Act 2004 permits delayed rates instalments to be gradually transitioned back to a regular schedule. This follows the government’s decision to defer all instalment notices to provide cashflow support to households and businesses, as part of economic survival package measures.
Through these amendments, this government can continue its robust support for the ACT economy and its support for Canberrans’ jobs, as part of the economic survival package.
It is proposed that all amendments to this bill are to expire after either the end of COVID-19 public health declarations, including any extensions or further extensions of any COVID-19 state of emergency, or 12 months after the commencement of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 on 8 April. In some cases, provisions will need to continue for a transitional period to allow a decision or another matter to continue to have effect, or for a further period for a specified reason associated with the nature of the COVID-19 emergency response measure. I again thank the Attorney-General and his directorate for undertaking this work in a timely manner.
I take the opportunity again this morning to reiterate to all members of the Assembly what I have undertaken in writing to the Select Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic response—that is, in line with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the government agrees to report on measures that have created new powers for ministers and directors-general. The government’s first report will be tabled on or before 31 May 2020 to cover the period from the act’s commencement on 8 April through to 30 April 2020.
This bill comprises what is urgent and necessary to protect Canberra’s jobs and households and ACT government functions through this time. We will adjourn the debate for a short period after I have concluded speaking, and I look forward to a constructive debate later today and for members’ support of this important piece of legislation. I commend it to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Coe) adjourned to the next sitting.
Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2020
Mr Gentleman, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement, and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.
Title read by Clerk.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Manager of Government Business, Minister for Advanced Technology and Space Industries, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Urban Renewal) (11.19): I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
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