Energy Efficiency Ratings (Sale of Premises) (Amendment) Act 1998 (ACT)

This case involved the Energy Efficiency Ratings (Sale of Premises) (Amendment) Act 1998 (ACT), which amended the Energy Efficiency Ratings (Sale of Premises) Act 1997. The Act aimed to alter the commencement date of certain provisions, specifically omitting subsections (2) and (3) of section 2 and substituting them with a new commencement date of 31 March 1999.

The legal issue before the court was whether the amendment to the commencement date was valid and whether it was within the legislative powers of the Australian Capital Territory. The court had to determine if the amendment followed the proper legislative procedures and whether it was an appropriate exercise of the Territory's legislative authority.

The court found that the amendment was valid and within the legislative powers of the Australian Capital Territory. The amendment followed the proper legislative procedures and was an appropriate exercise of the Territory's authority to regulate energy efficiency ratings for the sale of premises. The court upheld the amendment, confirming its validity and the authority of the Legislative Assembly to make such changes.

As a result of the court's decision, the amended Act was confirmed to be valid and enforceable, with the new commencement date of 31 March 1999 for the specified provisions. The court's ruling ensured that the legislative amendment was within the powers of the Australian Capital Territory and followed the correct procedures.