Page 592 - Week 02 - Thursday, 9 March 2006
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In fact, this bill lifts a lot from the New South Wales bill, which does a reasonable job in terms of major motor sport facilities. I am concerned about smaller motor sport facilities, the current four disciplines we have here at Fairbairn Park, blocks 306 and 601. I note the intention in the bill is not to have them included, but there is potential for that to happen. That does cause me a concern and I will come to that in the detail stage with my amendment. But there is no intention at this stage to have the bill apply to them—for good reasons, because they are regulated by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport anyway and they have very strict requirements in relation to licensing, track standards et cetera. ANDRA also has very strict standards in relation to dragway racing.
We will look to see how this bill operates. Obviously, it will pass today and we will see how it operates in practice. I am concerned that there may be abuse of powers. The history of motor sport in the ACT has been somewhat chequered in terms of difficulties with some government departments—and some bureaucrats, too, within those departments—with not sufficient support in many instances from governments of all persuasions, and needless impediments put on the sport. I certainly hope that this bill does not do that. If it does, if this bill is an impediment, we will certainly repeal it if we are the government. But I do not think it has been put forward on that basis.
There are a number of issues that I am quite satisfied with, having had a briefing. I am concerned that initially I was advised that the consultation was with the major motor sport bodies nationally and internationally like CAMS and ANDRA. I am pleased to see that there was some opportunity to consult with the local motor sport bodies and an undertaking—certainly by the bureaucrats, and I am sure the minister will do this too—for any further consultation that will be needed in terms of the regulations. I was heartened to hear from the bureaucrats that local motor sport will be very much involved in the regulations, which are a very important part of this bill.
New South Wales are not happy about one aspect of their act. They reckon it is better for the police to administer it, not sport and recreation. I understand here it is envisaged that the Department of Urban Services will provide the inspectors. That, to me, seems reasonable. I do not know whether they have the complete expertise, but I would certainly think they would have some expertise there, and naturally can gain some more.
I am pleased to see, and I am sure the minister will reiterate this, that the existing Fairbairn Park facilities are exempt and there is certainly no intention to have them come under this bill unless they significantly change. I hope that remains the case. That sounds sensible to me.
Geoff Develin of the Canberra International Dragway had some concerns, specifically on clause 25 and the power for authorised persons to enter the place at any reasonable time, which, I think, means during business hours and also when the place is being used. With motor sport often they are not used during business hours, and that was the concern of Mr Develin and the dragway people. I was advised by the officials that there are safeguards in relation to clause 28—and that is indeed so—and at any rate they are very keen to work with motor sport. I certainly hope they do so.
Some other concerns that the dragway people had were in relation to clause 9 and the full name and address of a person. I think the dragway here is an incorporated body and they
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