Tuesday, 7 June 2022

Local Government Legislation Amendment (Rating and Other Matters) Bill 2022

Introduction and first reading

Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park—Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes) (12:06): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Local Government Act 1989 in relation to rates and charges, to make miscellaneous and technical amendments to the Local Government Act 2020, to make miscellaneous and technical amendments to the Essential Services Commission Act 2001, the Accident Compensation Act 1985 and the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013, to amend the Domestic Animals Act 1994 in relation to reuniting pets with owners, and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

Ms STALEY (Ripon) (12:06): I ask the minister for a brief explanation of the bill.

Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park—Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes) (12:06): The bill will implement a range of recommendations from the Local Government Rating System Review and the Ombudsman’s Investigation into How Local Councils Respond to Ratepayers in Financial Hardship. It will empower the minister, in consultation with the Essential Services Commission, to set a maximum amount of interest that may be levied on unpaid rates and charges. The bill will also make a range of improvements to the ability of councils to provide rate rebates and apply special rates and charges.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.