STANDARD TIME BILL

Introduction and First Reading

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:43): Obtained leave and introduced a bill for an act to fix standard time for South Australia; to repeal the Standard Time Act 1898 and for other purposes. Read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:43): I move:

That this bill now be read a second time.

The Standard Time Bill 2008 seeks to repeal the Standard Time Act 1898 and replace it with updated legislation that reflects internationally accepted time standard. The bill proposes to replace references to Greenwich Mean Time with a more accurate time measurement scale called coordinated universal time. Coordinated universal time is an international time scale recommended by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures as the legal basis for time. It is a method of measuring time using atomic clocks. Greenwich Mean Time, which is based on astronomical observations, is an average (mean) because the actual time taken for the earth's rotation varies slightly from day-to-day. Measurements taken by atomic clocks vary far less.

The Commonwealth National Measurement Act 1960 was amended in 1997 to provide that coordinated universal time is the time scale to be maintained by Australia's chief metrologist. Following a recommendation from the National Time Commission (now known as the National Measurement Institute) in 2004, the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General agreed that each state and territory would adopt coordinated universal time as the basis for calculating the passage of time. Since that recommendation, all other jurisdictions, I am told, have made appropriate amendments to their standard time legislation. This bill will ensure that South Australia operates as part of the uniform, national time standard. The proposal will not change—and this is important—the actual time in South Australia to any noticeable degree. The difference between Greenwich Mean Time and coordinated universal time is measured in fractions of seconds.

Mrs Redmond: Personally, I want to stay on Greenwich Mean Time.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes; you're living in the past, ma'am.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: You certainly are. Moreover, whenever the cumulative difference approaches one second an adjustment is made in coordinated universal time to reduce the gap. The difference is important, however, certainly in scientific matters. For example, it is relevant in computer programs that use high-speed data transfers and in universal synchronisation matters. It is also the basis of the satellite global positioning system.

To determine the international standard of coordinated universal time, the Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris coordinates data from atomic clocks located in timing laboratories around the globe, including the Australian National Measurement Institute. The bill sets South Australian standard time at nine hours and 30 minutes ahead of coordinated universal time. The current act similarly sets the time in this state by reference to the median of longitude—142.5° east of Greenwich Mean Time, which equates to 9.5 hours every 15°, equalling one-hour.

The bill fundamentally relates to the measurement of the passage of time. It is not—and I repeat—not about time zoning in South Australia. It has no relationship with the adoption of Eastern Standard Time or true Central Standard Time, nor any change to or discontinuance of daylight saving time. The bill will have no practical effect on the general community. The public and businesses that rely upon precise time measurement, however, will benefit from the certainty in the use of uniform terminology in standard time legislation throughout Australia. I commend the bill to the house. I seek leave to insert the explanation of clauses in Hansard without my reading it.

Leave granted.

Explanation of Clauses

1—Short title

This clause is formal.

2—Interpretation

This clause defines terms used in the measure. Co-ordinated Universal Time is defined to mean Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) as determined by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and maintained under section 8AA of the National Measurement Act 1960 of the Commonwealth. The definition of instrument covers a wide range of legal documents from legislation to contracts, and is the same as the definition in the Daylight Saving Act 1971.

3—Standard time in South Australia

This clause provides that standard time throughout South Australia is 9 hours and 30 minutes in advance of Co-ordinated Universal Time.

4—Reference to time

This clause provides that, subject to the Daylight Saving Act 1971, a reference to time in any instrument or in any oral contract, stipulation or direction is, unless the contrary intention is expressed, to be taken to be a reference to South Australian standard time.

Schedule 1—Repeal

1—Repeal of The Standard Time Act 1898

This clause repeals The Standard Time Act 1898.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mrs Redmond.