EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Resources and Energy
Australian Energy Market Amendment (Gas Legislation) Act 2007
Proclamation
General Outline
Subsection 2(1) of the Australian Energy Market Amendment (Gas Legislation) Act 2007 (the Act) provides that Schedule 1 to the Act commences on a day to be fixed by Proclamation. The Act applies the Schedule to the National Gas (South Australia) Act 2008 (the National Gas Law) to offshore territories and areas administered by the Commonwealth.
The National Gas Law establishes a national economic regulatory regime for natural gas pipelines. It is the lead legislation in a co-operative legislative process which is being applied Australia-wide by application legislation in all jurisdictions.
The Proclamation fixes the date of commencement of the National Gas Law (scheduled for 1 July 2008) as the day on which Schedule 1 to the Act commences.
Schedule 1 to the Act repeals the Gas Pipelines Access (Commonwealth) Act 1998 and amends the Australian Energy Market Act 2004 to incorporate the regulation of gas pipelines, by applying the National Gas Law.
Legislative Authority
The Proclamation is issued by the Minister for Resources and Energy acting under subsection 2(1) of the Australian Energy Market Amendment (Gas Legislation) Act 2007.
Financial Implication
The Proclamation has no financial implications.
Consultation
The commencement date of 1 July 2008 for the National Gas Law has been arrived at by agreement with the States and Territories.
Date of Effect
The Proclamation is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 and commences on the day after it is registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.