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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 1 Hansard (18 February) . . Page.. 43 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

There will be a major energy Bill relating to electricity. A legislative framework is needed to underpin the opening up of the electricity market later this year and should be in place by 1 July, following consultation with interested parties. There will be domestic violence legislation. This is a comprehensive package of Bills to update and clarify the ACT's domestic violence legislation. We will also be establishing a Domestic Violence Prevention Council, as recommended by the Community Law Reform Committee. An environmental protection Bill will introduce comprehensive environmental legislation for the ACT. As it is a major piece of legislation, extensive consultation with a range of interest groups has been undertaken and is now in its final stages.

There will be a legal aid Bill. Mr Speaker, everyone in this Assembly is aware of the Commonwealth's proposal to reduce legal aid funding to the Territory. Whilst negotiations with the Commonwealth are still ongoing, we have a duty to the citizens of Canberra to be ready to act in this area if those negotiations fail because of the Commonwealth's unwillingness to listen to reason. In foreshadowing this legislation, the Government is again displaying its responsiveness. I have to say that we hope we never have to use it.

Members should also note that the legislation program contains a list of anticipated exposure drafts for autumn 1997. Of particular note in this list is the review of the Children's Services Act on which considerable work and consultation will be undertaken this year. This is an important and complex area that the Government is keen to see dealt with appropriately. I trust that members and the public will find the legislation program document informative and a useful guide to the Government's plans for the forthcoming Assembly sittings.

Debate (on motion by Mr Berry) adjourned.

MRS CARNELL (Chief Minister and Treasurer): Mr Speaker, for the information of members, and pursuant to section 26 of the Financial Management Act 1996, I present the financial management report for the period ending 30 November 1996 which was circulated to members when the Assembly was not sitting.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General): Mr Speaker, pursuant to section 6 of the Subordinate Laws Act 1989, I present subordinate legislation in accordance with the schedule of gazettal notices for a code of practice and variation, criteria for eligibility, declarations, determinations, extension of operation of Act, instruments of appointment, regulations, Supreme Court rules and a variation to housing program. I also present notices for the commencement of eight Acts.

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