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| Water and sewerage reform bid |
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THE State Government has released a paper outlining proposed changes to the regulatory framework for Tasmania’s water and sewerage sector. Treasurer Michael Aird said the position paper, Future Regulation of the Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Sector, was prepared by consultant SAHA International for consideration by the ministerial water and sewerage taskforce. “The current regulatory framework in the water and sewerage sector in Tasmania is light-handed and it is the Government’s intention to move to best practice,” he said. “This paper lays the ground work for how water and sewerage assets should be managed and services delivered to create a robust water and sewerage services sector. “While the paper does not represent government policy, it does indicate the current direction of the taskforce’s thinking.” Mr Aird, who chairs the taskforce, said the regulatory framework presented in the paper would ensure the introduction of minimum service standards to protect consumers, independent price setting and the transparent, efficient and sustainable management of water and sewerage infrastructure. “The regulatory objectives cover the key economic, social, public health and environmental aims that may otherwise not be achieved without a strong regulatory regime,” Mr Aird said. “The regulatory component of reform is about specifying the right ‘rules’ for how the sector needs to operate, and having the right checks and balances in place to ensure that customers are protected and that infrastructure decisions meet community needs. “The release of this paper provides an opportunity for further discussion on the vital issue of water and sewerage reform in Tasmania - an issue which is of critical importance to the achievement of a strong and sustainable future for Tasmania. “Water is a source of comparative advantage for Tasmania and improved regulation will ensure its sustainable use.” Mr Aird invited public comment on the approach put forward in the proposed regulatory position paper. Submissions close on 14 January 2008. The proposed position paper is available on the Department of Treasury and Finance’s website at www.treasury.tas.gov.au Part B of the Preliminary Position Paper, which will provide further detail on the proposed regulatory changes, will be released in the next few weeks.
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