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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 7 Hansard (1 July) . . Page.. 2027 ..
MR SMYTH (continuing):
1. First, the proposed amendments to the Bill will improve consistency with the approaches adopted in NSW and ensure cross-border business is not adversely impacted.
2. Secondly, access to relevant information held by the Environment Management Authority through additions to existing conveyancing searches will ensure that those who need to, can make informed decisions in relation to contaminated lands in the ACT.
3. Thirdly, amendments to allow for voluntary assessment and remediation of contaminated land in appropriate cases will reinforce the objectives of the Environment Protection Act 1997 in promoting a shared responsibility for our environment.
4. Finally, the continuing role of the Environment Management Authority in relation to contaminated sites is to implement best practice procedures and legislation for the management of contaminated land. The ACT legislation adopts the "polluter pay principle" and will feature a duty to report, assess and remediate contaminated land. It also will establish an independent auditing process.
Overall, I believe that in its response to the Committee's Report, the Government has taken a positive step in ensuring that the ACT community can feel confident that contaminated land in the ACT will be managed through an open process, to the benefit of the community in accordance with the highest standards of best practice.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Independent Pricing and Regulatory Commission Report
MR SMYTH (Minister for Urban Services) (3.28): Mr Speaker, for the information of members, I present the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Commission's report entitled "ACTION's bus fares for 1999-2000 - Final price direction". I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
Mr Speaker, I seek leave to have my presentation speech incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.
The speech read as follows:
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