Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Colbeck, move:

That, noting that as the National Electricity Grid is rapidly transitioning to more dispersed methods of generation, transmission and storage, and acknowledging that such transitions will transgress on agricultural, Indigenous, national or marine parks, and protected environmental lands, the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 16 July 2024:

The compulsory acquisition of land, including interests in land, for purposes related to electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage, with particular reference to:

(a) the interaction and efficacy of compulsory access and acquisition powers and responsibilities of Commonwealth, state and territory governments;

(b) the adequacy of Commonwealth, state and territory legislation, policies, programs, schemes and funding relating to compulsory access and acquisition of land from landholders;

(c) provision of, and disbursement of, compensation under Commonwealth, state and territory governments' compulsory access and acquisition legislation and policy;

(d) identifying best practice approaches to the development and implementation of a fair national approach to compulsory access and acquisition consultation and compensation;

(e) measures required to secure the rights of landowners, farmers and fishers to maintain and safeguard the continued productivity of agriculture and fisheries, including emergency management;

(f) the efficacy of consultation processes between Indigenous landholders, farmers and fishers, and Commonwealth, state and territory governments and energy companies seeking to compulsorily access or acquire agricultural, Indigenous and environmental lands and marine environments; and

(g) any related matters.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate No. 1 standing in the name of Senators Colbeck and Cadell and moved by Senator Cadell be agreed to.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm now going to move to the deferred vote. I remind senators that on Monday, after 6.30 pm, a division was called on the motion moved by Senator Roberts proposing a reference to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. I understand that it suits the convenience of the Senate for the deferred vote to be held now. The question is that the motion as moved by Senator Roberts be agreed to.