Explanatory note
This explanatory note relates to this Bill as introduced into Parliament.

Overview of Bill

The object of this Bill is to amend the Gas Supply Act 1996 to require gas reticulators
to join a gas industry ombudsman scheme approved by the Minister for Energy and
to comply with any decisions of the ombudsman relating to a dispute or complaint.

Currently, gas suppliers are required to be members of the scheme.

Outline of provisions

Clause 1 sets out the name (also called the short title) of the proposed Act.

Clause 2 provides for the commencement of the proposed Act on a day to be
appointed by proclamation.

Schedule 1 Amendment of Gas Supply Act 1996
No 38
Schedule 1 [4] makes it a condition of a gas reticulator’s authorisation that it must
be a member of an approved gas industry ombudsman scheme and that it is bound
by, and must comply with, any decision of the ombudsman relating to a dispute or

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Explanatory note page 2

Gas Supply Amendment (Ombudsman Scheme) Bill 2009
Explanatory note
complaint between the gas reticulator and a small retail customer. This condition
currently applies to gas suppliers’ authorisations. Schedule 1 [4] also provides that
the Minister may exempt certain authorised gas reticulators from the requirement to
join the scheme. Schedule 1 [1]–[3] are consequential amendments.

Schedule 1 [5] provides for the making of savings and transitional regulations
consequent on the enactment of the proposed Act.

Schedule 1 [6] inserts a transitional provision that allows a gas industry ombudsman
scheme that has already been approved by the Minister for Energy for gas suppliers
to be extended to gas reticulators without the need for further approval.

Note: If this Bill is not modified, these Explanatory Notes would reflect the Bill as passed in the House. If the Bill has been amended by Committee, these Explanatory Notes may not necessarily reflect the Bill as passed.

 

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