Parliament continues in the NorthernTerritory this week, with the introduction of the Liquor Bill 2019.
The Bill is a complete rewrite of theLiquor Act 1978, and achieves 70 recommendations of the 2017 Alcohol Policiesand Legislation Review Final Report (the Riley Review).
The Billprovides a robust regulatory framework through its primary purpose of harmminimisation.
The Bill modernises the way theTerritory deals with alcohol and is designed to meet community expectations andindustry needs, give regulatory bodies certainty and creates long-term benefitsfor Territorians.
Extensiveconsultation has been held with industry and stakeholders, including on theexposure draft bill, across the Territory in April, with over 20 formalsubmissions received.
The publicwill have a further opportunity to comment on the Bill as it goes through theScrutiny Committee process.
Other Bills for introduction duringsittings this week are:
The Hemp Industry Bill 2019
The Environment Protection Bill 2019
The Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Legislation AmendmentBill 2019
The Education and Care Services (National Uniform Legislation) AmendmentBill 2019
Parliament is set to debate the WaterAmendment Bill 2019. The Bill includes reforms needed to implementrecommendations from the Pepper Inquiry, which will go towards allowing awell-regulated hydraulic fracturing industry to develop.
Parliament will also debate the Motor Vehicles(Compensation) Amendment Bill 2019. The purpose of this Bill is to ensureanybody who is working and injured in a motor vehicle accident (regardless of their age) is eligible toreceive LOEC (loss of earning capacity) benefits, subject to a two-year timelimit for those who have reached or exceed pension age.
The Medical Services Amendment Bill2018 is also set for debate.
As noted by Leader of GovernmentBusiness, Natasha Fyles:
Thepurpose of the Liquor Act re-write in the Northern Territory is to achieve realchange by creating an Act that meets community expectations, gives NTregulatory bodies substantive, flexible and sensible powers, providesbusinesses and community groups with regulatory certainty and achieves longterm benefits for the Northern Territory.
The Liquor Act must provide a coherentframework for the operation of the liquor industry within harm minimisationprinciples.
