CARAVAN PARKS ACT REPEAL BILL 2000 Second Reading Speech

Northern Territory Second Reading Speeches

CARAVAN PARKS ACT REPEAL BILL 2000

(This an uncorrected proof of the daily report. It is made available under the condition that it is recognised as such.)

Mr Speaker, I move the bill be now read a second time. I take this opportunity to introduce the Caravan Parks Act Repeal Bill 2000 to the House. The Caravan Parks Act was passed in 1975 as a response to the influx of construction workers in the wake of Cyclone Tracy. Many of the workers were accommodated in caravans at the time. The Act was made to apply to the area within 26 kilometres of the Darwin GPO. It’s application has never been extended to other parts of the Territory. The Act sets out simplistic standards for caravan parks and camping areas; it requires clean, well drained caravan sites, appropriate cooking, washing and ablution facilities, and recreational areas. It does not contemplate washing machines, swimming pools or companion animals in relation to caravan parks, and it does not consider the interest of long term residents. Under national competition policy the Territory committed to review and where necessary reform legislation that restricts competition. The basis of the review is that legislation should not restrict competition unless it can be demonstrated the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole outweigh the costs and the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by restricting competition.

The Caravan Parks Act has been the subject to a legislation review by the department of Local Government. In this task it was assisted by an independent steering committee. There was a considerable consultation undertaking process. The report of the review has been accepted by the government. In summary, the report points out that to avoid being anti-competitive the Act should in its application be extended to cover all 82 caravan parks in the Territory rather than be limited to just 17 or so caravan parks that are within the 26 kilometre radius of the Darwin GPO. However, the Act is well out of date and should be rewritten in conjunction with the Caravan Parks Industry.

The Department of Industries and Business and the Northern Territory Tourist Commission have both supported this position, as has the Northern Territory Caravan Parks Association Incorporated. Accordingly it has been decided to repeal the Caravan Parks Act. I understand the department of Industries and Business has already commenced a review into the requirements for any new scheme of regulation.

I commend the bill to honourable members for their consideration.

Debate adjourned.

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