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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 9 Hansard (4 September) . . Page.. 2888 ..

MR KAINE (continuing):

As various drafts of the code emerged, extensive consultation exercises took place. One major exercise in mid-1996 saw sessions in every capital, including Canberra. When a final draft was ready, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission started, as is required under its legislation, a new and highly focused consultation exercise. Taking into account the many submissions received from interested parties, the commission proceeded to submit the document to extensive analysis. Members may be aware that the ACCC has now released its draft determinations on the code. The draft determinations demonstrate the rigour with which the future regulator has examined the provisions of the code and has sought to balance and assess the views put forward by various interested parties.

The commission has raised a fair number of issues which it considers must be resolved before the code can be agreed. I understand that the commission will be convening a conference to canvass reactions to its draft determinations. Following a final determination by the commission, it is anticipated that the national market can take over from the State markets in early 1998. That is why passage this year is essential.

Mr Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, participation in the national electricity market will complement other reforms to the electricity industry that the Government is currently implementing. In particular, the national electricity market complements the introduction of competition in retail supply of electricity in the ACT; in other words, allowing customers to choose a retailer other than ACTEW Corporation, if they wish. Mr Speaker, in conclusion, the establishment of the national electricity market is a major reform. We can have confidence that it will deliver benefits to Australia. It is now time for the ACT to join with other jurisdictions and embrace the reform so that the benefits can flow through to ACT consumers.

Debate (on motion by Mr Whitecross) adjourned.

MR KAINE (Minister for Urban Services) (11.18): Mr Speaker, I present the Electricity (National Scheme) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 1997, together with its explanatory memorandum.

Title read by Clerk.

MR KAINE: I move:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

Mr Speaker, the Electricity (National Scheme) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 1997 provides for necessary amendments to ACT legislation consequential upon the passage of the Electricity (National Scheme) Bill 1997 and the application of the National Electricity Law in the Territory. It is a short Bill. This reflects the fact that regulation of the electricity industry in the ACT has traditionally been minimal compared to that in force in other Australian jurisdictions.

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