BURIAL AND CREMATION BILL

Final Stages

Consideration in committee of the House of Assembly's message.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I move:

That the Legislative Council do not insist on its amendment No. 7 and agree to the alternative amendment made by the House of Assembly.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: In responding to the motion moved by the—

The ACTING CHAIR (Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins): Order! There is too much noise in the chamber. The Hon. Mr Wade has the call.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: Thank you, Mr Acting Chairman. In responding to the government motion, I would like to quote from a letter written to me on 23 May by the Attorney. He indicated that, in the context of this amendment, the government is happy to consult with members of this place and the other place in relation to the development of a formula in the regulations. I note and welcome the Attorney-General's commitment to consult on the draft regulations.

In relation to the regulations, CCASA (Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of South Australia) wrote to the government on 12 November 2012 in relation to the regulations and specifically suggested the redrafting of associated regulations. Does the government intend to redraft associated regulations, as proposed by CCASA?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: During the process of drafting this bill, the government also invited industry representatives to provide comments on possible regulations under the legislation. In a letter to the Attorney-General's Department on 12 November 2012, the Cemeteries & Crematoria Association made a number of recommendations for regulations under the bill, including recommending that much of the current regulations under the Cremation Act and the Local Government Act 1934 be mirrored and expanded upon in the new regulations.

The Attorney-General's Department is currently in the process of developing these draft regulations, and the Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of South Australia recommendations are being considered as part of the process. It is certainly the government's intention to mirror the current regulations where appropriate and to develop new regulations, as required by the new legislation.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: I indicate that the opposition supports the alternative amendment by the government and thanks the government for evolving the bill.

Motion carried.