Edition 64, January/February 2009

Energy safety regulation discussion paper released

The Ministerial Council on Energy has released a discussion paper on the harmonisation of energy supply industry technical and safety regulation.

In November 2007, the Commonwealth Government committed to work with state and territory governments and the energy sector to improve the consistency of state-based regulations � such as occupational health and safety requirements � that apply to the energy sector.

At its 13 June 2008 meeting, the Ministerial Council on Energy agreed to establish the Energy Technical and Safety Leaders Group (refer 'the Leaders Group') to develop the Energy Technical and Safety Regulation Harmonisation Enhancement Plan (Harmonisation Plan).

This discussion paper and the corresponding stakeholder feedback are an important first step in the development of the Harmonisation Plan.

The Discussion Paper on Harmonisation of Energy Supply Industry Technical and Safety Regulation has been developed consistent with the principles set out by the MCE Terms of Reference.

Taking these principles into account, the options presented in this discussion paper are aimed, to the greatest possible extent at:

  • putting in place best-practice regulation to ensure public and workers safety
  • facilitating greater labour mobility and swifter emergency response, especially in the context of skilled labour shortages
  • lowering the compliance burden for multi-jurisdictional operators
  • providing regulatory certainty and consistency across jurisdictions.

The Leaders Group is seeking written submissions on the discussion paper, which are to be submitted to the MCE Secretariat by close of business on Friday 3 April 2009.

Electronic submissions are preferred and can be emailed to MCEMarketReform@ret.gov.au

Written and printed submission can be mailed to the MCE Secretariat:

Manager
MCE Secretariat
Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
GPO Box 9839
Canberra ACT 2601

For more information and to access the discussion paper visit www.mce.gov.au (select �Consultation and Information Papers� from the �Energy Market Reforms Quicklinks�.)

This page was generated on 26 August, 2009