Canberra Sewerage and Water Supply Regulations (Amendment) (ACT)

The case involved an appeal by the applicant, Terry Connolly, against the amendments made to the Canberra Sewerage and Water Supply Regulations by the Australian Capital Territory Executive. These amendments sought to modify the regulations regarding water-closets and urinals, specifically altering the standards for flush volumes in water-closets and cisterns. The dispute was heard in the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory.

The central legal issue was whether the amendments to the regulations, which were made under the Electricity and Water Act 1988, were valid and consistent with the parent act. The applicant argued that the amendments did not align with the objectives of the parent act, particularly in terms of water conservation and efficiency. The court had to determine if the amendments were within the scope of the powers conferred to the Executive under the act.

The court examined the language of the Electricity and Water Act 1988 and the extent of the powers granted to the Executive. It concluded that the amendments were within the scope of the powers provided under the act. The court found that the amendments aimed to promote water conservation and efficiency by reducing the water usage in water-closets and cisterns, which was consistent with the objectives of the act. Therefore, the amendments were upheld as valid and within the legislative authority granted to the Executive.

The final orders of the court were to dismiss the applicant's appeal, confirming the validity of the amendments to the Canberra Sewerage and Water Supply Regulations. The amendments were found to be consistent with the objectives of the Electricity and Water Act 1988 and were within the legislative authority of the Australian Capital Territory Executive.