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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-02-04 Daily Xml
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STANDARD TIME BILL

Introduction and First Reading

Received from the House of Assembly and read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (17:21): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading explanation inserted in Hansard without my reading it.

Leave granted.

The Standard Time Bill 2008 seeks to repeal The Standard Time Act 1898 and replace it with updated legislation that reflects the internationally accepted time standard.

The Bill proposes to replace references to Greenwich Mean Time with a more accurate time measurement scale called Co-ordinated Universal Time.

Co-ordinated 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 Co-ordinated 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 Co-ordinated Universal Time as the basis for calculating the passage of time.

Since that recommendation all other jurisdictions have made appropriate amendments to their standard time legislation. This Bill will ensure that South Australia operates as part of a uniform national time standard.

The proposal would not change the actual time in South Australia to any noticeable degree. The difference between Greenwich Mean Time and Co-ordinated Universal Time is measured in fractions of a second. Moreover, whenever the cumulative difference approaches one second, an adjustment is made in Co-ordinated Universal Time to reduce the gap.

The difference is important, however, in some scientific matters. For example, it is relevant in computer programmes 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 Co-ordinated Universal Time, the Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris co-ordinates data from atomic clocks located in timing laboratories around the globe, including at the Australian National Measurement Institute.

The Bill sets South Australian standard time at 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Co-ordinated Universal Time. The current Act similarly set the time in this State by reference to the meridian of longitude 142.5° East of Greenwich Mean Time, which equates to 9.5 hours (every 15 degrees equals 1 hour).

The Bill fundamentally relates to the measurement of the passage of time and is not about the time zoning of 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.

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 Hon. S.G. Wade.

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