Page 3647 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
In practical terms, however, the development of the SBMP must also have close regard to the importance of protecting and preserving biodiversity values, and it is my expectation that those matters can be resolved through the development of the SBMP process.
I note that there are comments about the desirability of further amendments in this area, and I certainly indicate I am open to considering and discussing those matters, recognising of course that, at the end of the day, protection of life and property is critical, particularly in an emergency.
The third amendment gives effect to recommendations by the ACT Auditor-General. The Auditor-General published a performance audit in July 2013 on bushfire preparedness and recommended that the JACS Directorate, in managing future amendments to the ACT Emergencies Act, should propose amendments which require the Emergency Services Agency to maintain information on privately owned assets of public interest that are vulnerable to bushfire without the need to include this information in the SBMP.
The ESA does not currently publish this list, given the publication of the data could compromise commercial and security sensitivities. The bill gives effect to the Auditor-General’s recommendation by removing the requirement for the SBMP to publish a list of privately owned assets of public interest vulnerable to bushfire, and instead simply requires the ESA to maintain such a list.
These are important changes to our emergency legislation. I should briefly highlight that the bill is also increasing the infringement penalty for discarding lit cigarettes, cigarette butts, matches or other items that are lit or not fully extinguished. This type of activity is reckless and potentially very dangerous, particularly during days of very high, extreme or catastrophic fire danger. Increasing the penalty from $200 to $300 recognises the seriousness of the offence and is a proportional response to that activity, recognising, of course, that people can be charged with more serious offences should their actions result in a fire that causes death or serious injury to people or damage to property.
These changes to our Emergencies Act are critical for maintaining up-to-date and contemporary emergency management legislation. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Detail stage
Clauses 1 to 8, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 9.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video