Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I move opposition amendment (2) on sheet 7463 revised:

(2) Schedule 1, item 8, page 5 (after line 4), after paragraph 5(g), insert:

(ga) to review and provide advice on proposals to facilitate the harmonisation of policies, and laws, relating to development of, and investment in, infrastructure;

(gb) to review Commonwealth infrastructure funding programs and their alignment with Infrastructure Plans given to the Minister under section 5B;

This amendment to schedule 1, item 8, has the effect of retaining two functions that are already in the act. These functions are now to be exercised at the independent board's discretion. The first function relates to harmonisation of infrastructure laws, and this allows IA to look at ways of streamlining regulation around infrastructure investment. This provision is in the new bill but only at the minister's direction. This amendment makes exercise of this function a matter for IA itself.

The second function relates to reviewing Commonwealth funding against IA infrastructure plans. This provision is in the current act. This amendment retains the function and makes exercise of this function a matter for IA itself. With these changes no functions under the act would require the minister's direction. This is consistent with the expert advisers on IA.