Northern Territory Second Reading Speeches

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DANGEROUS GOODS (ROAD AND RAIL TRANSPORT) BILL 2002

(This an uncorrected proof of the daily report. It is made available under the condition that it is recognised as such.)

Madam Speaker, I move that the bills be now read a second time.

Honourable members, the purpose of these two bills is to ensure that the Northern Territory, in company with all other jurisdictions in Australia, introduces uniform and complementary laws related to the road and rail transport of dangerous goods.

This is achieved through amending the Dangerous Goods Act 1998 to delete reference in that legislation to the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail, and by introducing separate but complementary legislation covering the road transport of dangerous goods. These bills make provision for the safe road and rail transport of dangerous goods, maintenance of public safety, protection of the environment, protection of property against damage through the negligent road or rail transport of dangerous goods. As well, these bills meet the requirements of the National Competition Policy by developing uniform national laws.

The impetus for the development of the bills goes back as far as 1991, when the Commonwealth, states and territories, including the Northern Territory, agreed to work towards developing uniform laws covering the road transport of dangerous goods. In 1995, the Commonwealth government introduced the Road Transport Reform Act 1995 and regulations, which have become a blue print to the development of similar legislation across Australia. The Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2002 in essence adopts most of the Commonwealth Road Transport Reform Act 1995 and those regulations, departing only in minor matters from that act.

To ensure compatibility between the two pieces of legislation, it has been determined necessary to amend the Dangerous Goods Act 1998 so as to remove reference to road and rail transport from that act, and replace those references with the new Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2002. This is achieved through the Dangerous Goods Act 1998 Amendment Act 2002.

The development of uniform laws covering the transport of dangerous goods is to be applauded and supported as the development of uniform laws across Australia creates a degree of certainty for the transport industry which, by the nature of its work, regularly crosses jurisdictional boundaries.

The introduction of these bills will see the Territory move toward adopting nationally uniform laws, which will advantage the transport industry by removing jurisdictional differences and support Territorians by providing a legislative framework which protects Territory people, property and our environment.

The bill is further testament to this government’s ongoing resolve to ensure that the Territory’s industries are developed, and our people are protected by good legislation. I commend the bill to honourable members.

Debate adjourned.

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