Page 276 - Week 01 - Thursday, 27 February 2014

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energy savings calculation. They also provide that a retailer’s result can be recalculated up to five years after the end of the relevant compliance period. A recalculation can be made if information on which the original result is based is later found to be incorrect or an activity is not compliant.

Further provisions support the functions of the administrator in determining electricity retailers’ compliance with the act and to administer codes of practice. These provisions support the administrator’s current functions by providing for information sharing with relevant regulatory agencies and the ability to gather information from other parties to determine compliance; taking action against a contravention of a code of practice, including issuing a rectification order for a breach that has caused or may cause injury or damage to people, property or the environment; and restricting the creation of abatement factors for eligible activities if required to protect public safety. These provisions are intended to complement existing statutes that require safe installation practices and address any situations where existing law may not provide adequate coverage of an activity implemented under the scheme.

Amendments to the Electrical Safety Act streamline the existing legislation for setting safety standards for electrical equipment. Safety standards are part of a national system of corresponding law across all states and territories. The bill expands on the current powers to make regulations for the energy efficiency of electrical products sold in the ACT and to regulate efficiency of lighting and other appliances under the building code. New provisions would allow regulations to be made to promote the efficient use and conservation of power and energy or to limit harm to the environment from electrical equipment and installations.

Further amendments transfer all residual powers from the Planning and Land Authority in the Electrical Safety Act to the Construction Occupations Registrar. This reflects that the functions of the registrar include responsibility for administering the Electrical Safety Act. The act already gives powers to the registrar for regulating electrical inspections, electrical work and parts of the product safety system.

I note that the Construction and Energy Efficiency Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 (No 2), passed by the Assembly this week, amended legislation which will affect a small number of provisions in this bill. I will therefore be introducing Assembly amendments at the debate stage to make the necessary minor amendments to give effect to the intent of the provisions in this bill. A number of the provisions complement amendments in the two construction and energy efficiency legislation amendment bills introduced in 2013. The bill contains amendments to improve the implementation of existing laws and improve public access to important information about construction licences.

I commend the bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Coe) adjourned to the next sitting.

Corrections and Sentencing Legislation Amendment Bill 2014

Mr Rattenbury, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.


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