Page 1788 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 4 May 2011

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chamber event—all believe that this is a reasonable and responsible budget. I will take their advice before I take the advice of an untested opposition.

Planning—guidelines

MS LE COUTEUR: My question is to the Minister for Planning and concerns the new energy efficiency licensing and regulatory system. Last year new government legislation was introduced to establish a system for licensing and setting new procedures for energy efficiency ratings auditors. This legislation commenced on 1 March this year. Minister, can you update us on the progress of the implementation of the new legislation and systems?

MR BARR: Off the top of my head right now, no, Mr Speaker, but I can provide information on the detailed implementation of the initiative for the member.

MR SPEAKER: Ms Le Couteur, a supplementary question?

MS LE COUTEUR: Thank you. I am afraid I actually did not hear any of that, but anyway. When will the code of practice which is required for the system to function fully be finalised and notified on the legislation register?

MR BARR: Again, I will take some advice on that. It is a fairly technical question. One would presume that you would not be carrying around the level of detail around when instruments would be notified.

Members interjecting—

MR SPEAKER: Order! I cannot hear Mr Barr.

MR BARR: There are thousands of instruments placed on that register. On the exact date of the placement of this one, I will seek advice and provide that information to the member.

MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Hunter?

MS HUNTER: Yes, thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, when will these systems be finalised, as it seems that many of the energy efficiency assessors are still waiting for these new procedures and fee structures to be properly instated?

MR BARR: We certainly are focused on this area and, of course, given the additional resources that have been provided for the Planning and Land Authority in relation to this initiative, to the implementation of new nationwide initiatives under the Building Code of Australia and particularly the move to new generation software and assessment tools in relation to this issue.

I am aware of particular media reports, most notably, I think, on the now 7.30 program on the ABC, in relation to there being concerns across the country about the different software systems that are used to determine an energy rating for houses. There is a need for greater consistency and a move to a new generation of software is


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