Page 2735 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 16 August 2005
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time a new inspectorate function has been created. Over time, this had led to a wide variation between different inspectorate powers.
It is opportune therefore to look at reviewing, simplifying and, where possible, standardising these powers within a human rights perspective. The powers of inspectors are very important powers but they are also compulsive and involve a degree of intrusion and, in some cases, seizure of goods without compensation. The Human Rights Act provides a basis upon which competing interests that need to be taken into account can be reconciled to produce a best practice model for search and seizure powers that balance the needs of the community with the human rights of individuals.
A bill will be introduced to amend the Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1997 to address some practice issues that have arisen since the act was passed some nine years ago. The amendments will also bring the ACT legislation into line with developments in anticipation of the implementation of a national health privacy code.
Protection of the rights of workers is also important, with the government being committed to improving the effectiveness of the private sector workers compensation scheme applying in the ACT. The Workers Compensation Amendment Bill 2005 (No 2) will bring together the administration of safety net provisions that ensure access to compensation in cases where insurance coverage has not been maintained or an insurance company is unable to meet the costs of claims. The bill will also improve access to injury management processes and information about the compulsory insurance coverage that is held by employers.
As part of progressing towards the establishment of a dragway in the ACT, the Motor Sport (Public Safety) Bill 2005 is to be introduced. It will establish a risk and insurance mechanism for the proposed dragway. It will provide adequate protection for patrons, liability management for the operators of the premises, an improved likelihood that the operators will be able to secure accreditation by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, and access to insurance products and associated risk management frameworks.
To help make Canberra roads safer, legislation will be proposed to provide a nationally consistent and best practice legislative scheme to improve compliance with and enforcement of the road transport laws for heavy vehicles.
Members are already aware that I intend to introduce a third justice bill later this year to provide for imprisonment and remand. This third bill will set out the powers and functions of the prison, the remand centres and the periodic detention centre. The three bills will be the body of ACT law that covers sentencing, from conviction to fulfilment of a sentence.
The government has a strong commitment to children and family and will continue its promotion of the care, protection and education of children and young people. To follow up on this, phase one amendments to the Children and Young People Act will be brought forward to regulate children’s services and employment and to provide for the care and protection of our children and young people.
Amendments to the Education Act 2004 also will be introduced. One amendment reflects the considerable work by stakeholders in developing an agreed policy stance on parental
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