RADIATION PROTECTION AND CONTROL (LICENCES AND REGISTRATION) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 27 September 2011.)

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (16:13): This bill seeks to make amendments to the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 immediately following the proclamation of amendments to be made to the act via part 12 of the Statutes Amendment (Budget 2010) Act 2010.

The passage of this bill will ensure that certain persons who are currently licensed or registered under the act are not unintentionally exempt from the requirement to hold a licence or registration in future. This will ensure that radioactive substances continue to be appropriately regulated and the health and safety of Australians who are exposed to radioactive substances continues to be maintained.

In addition, the further amendment to the definition of mining will correct a drafting error in part 12 of the Statutes Amendment (Budget 2010) Act 2010. This part of the definition clarifies that the act is not intended to regulate surface drilling for the purposes of exploration.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

In committee.

Clause 1.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: During the briefing I discussed with the officers the matter of how much the licence fees were likely to be, and I would appreciate it if we could get some comments on the record from the government about what those are likely to be. I understand they are still under negotiation and the EPA is providing briefings to industry bodies, particularly the mining sector, next week but, if we could get some indication, that would be great.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: I have the list of licence fees which I table.

Clause passed.

Remaining clauses (2 to 6) and title passed.

Bill reported without amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (16:17): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.