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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 8 Hansard (27 June) . . Page.. 2317 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

I do not think anyone had problems with cultural events and public displays. The committee heard no evidence against the use of fireworks for cultural events or for public displays, provided they were properly regulated and conducted by qualified pyrotechnicians. The new category of prearranged community events during the three-day June long weekend is important for shopgoods fireworks and is the most controversial part of this recommendation. The committee is aware that many members of the public enjoy community fireworks over the June long weekend, and the committee believes the key issue is whether the use of fireworks can be adequately controlled at this time.

The committee made 16 recommendations. Its recommendations are aimed at putting in place a suitable regulatory regime to permit the ongoing enjoyment of community fireworks over the long weekend in June, but we recommend that the public not be permitted to acquire and use fireworks at any other time of the year.

The committee calls for members of the public wishing to purchase fireworks for use over the long weekend to acquire a permit and to demonstrate their competence in basic fireworks technology and safety. They should also specify the location and time of the fireworks event and notify adjoining neighbours. They should preorder the fireworks, which can only be picked up during the three days of the long weekend.

The committee is also aware that a new regulatory regime such as that recommended needs to be monitored by the government to ensure it works as intended. If it does not, the committee says the Assembly should be informed and legislation to ban the sale of fireworks to the public should be introduced. But first we would like to see how this would work. The committee sees that the operation of this new regulatory regime should be evaluated after the June long weekend sale period in each of the next two years.

Tests or courses people would have to undertake need not be lengthy. We refer in our report to something of not more than half a day. We would not expect a member of the public who is going to organise, say, a traditional bonfire night to undertake a TAFE course but some simple structured training so that the authorities could be confident that that person could adequately control the event.

The committee was very impressed with a lot of the evidence, especially that from ordinary members of the public. We were particularly impressed with three or four people who said, "We enjoy fireworks. We enjoy the traditional cracker night. Yes, they are dangerous. Yes, the RSPCA and groups like that have very valid and real concerns. Yes, you need to ensure that people who use fireworks are competent to do so."

One particularly impressive young man aged 22 brought his mates and girlfriend along. He said, "We live in a cul-de-sac. My family enjoys a good cracker night. I think someone competent should supervise it. My father is pretty good. He wouldn't mind doing it on behalf of the street." I thought that was pretty telling evidence. Several other members of the public indicated their delight in the traditional bonfire night. They accepted the need for proper supervision, some training and adequate safeguards. The committee recommend that that be tried.

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