Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move the amendment circulated in my name:

At the end of the motion, add, “but in respect of the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Abolition of Limited Merits Review) Bill 2017, the bill be referred immediately to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee report by 16 October 2017.”

Just briefly, this amendment is to have the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Abolition of Limited Merits Review) Bill 2017 referred to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, with a report date of 16 October 2017.

Just to explain this, while Labor support the bill, our consultation with stakeholders led us to the view that there is merit in holding a short inquiry. The abolition of the limited merits review is a large reform and should be subjected to a process and to proper scrutiny. The limited merits review can be accessed by parties other than network companies—groups like unions and consumer groups—and Labor believe it's important their views are heard by the Senate. The inquiry will be very prompt, with a report back in the first sitting week of October, and will not have any material impact on the work of the Australian Energy Regulator or the broader energy system. I hope that the Senate can support this amendment.