Unclaimed Goods (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 25 November 2025.)

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta) (16:01): The member for Heysen, having been on his feet, has provided the house with ample information about the opposition's position on this bill.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS (Cheltenham—Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (16:01): I thank the member for Morialta for his fine contribution and commend the bill to the house.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

In committee.

Clauses 1 to 4 passed.

Clause 5.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I move:

Amendment No 1 [TradeInvest–1]—

Page 5, line 9 [clause 5(4), inserted paragraph (c)(ii)]—Delete 'made reasonable attempts' and substitute 'taken reasonable steps'

This is a minor change to the wording of section 5(4)(c). The provision requires the recipient to contact the owner or provider of the goods to notify them that the goods are available for collection. If the recipient does not know the contact details of either the provider or any owner, they must make reasonable attempts to obtain those details before the goods can be treated as unclaimed.

This amendment tweaks the wording slightly to refer to the recipient having 'taken reasonable steps' rather than having 'made reasonable attempts'. The updated language is consistent with notice requirements in other parts of the bill and with the wording of the regulation-making power in clause 12 of the bill, which permits the making of regulations which specify what constitutes taking reasonable steps.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: I thank the minister for his explanation. I am much persuaded, as are my colleagues.

Amendment carried; clause as amended passed.

Clauses 6 and 7 passed.

Clause 8.

The CHAIR: Minister, you have a money clause.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I move:

That clause 8, which is printed in erased type, be inserted in the bill.

Clause inserted.

Remaining clauses (9 to 12), schedule and long title passed.

Bill reported with amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS (Cheltenham—Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (16:05): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.