Bill returned from the Senate with amendments.

Ordered that the amendments be taken into consideration forthwith.

Senate's amendments—

(1)   Clause 2, page 2 (lines 11 to 14), omit subclause (3), substitute:

(3)   A proclamation fixing a day for the commencement of section 59 is not to be made unless:

   (a)   a public inquiry, sponsored by the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria, has been held with respect to environmental issues arising out of the current pattern of water flows in rivers and streams, caused by the operation of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, and the Minister is satisfied with the adequacy of the conduct, outcome and planned implementation of the inquiry, having regard to the continuing viability of the Scheme; and

   (b)   the Minister is satisfied that the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria have agreed to that section commencing on that day.

(2)   Clause 7, page 7 (line 5), omit "The Commonwealth", substitute "Subject to subsection (2A), the Commonwealth".

(3)   Clause 7, page 7 (after line 13), after subclause (2), insert:

   (2A)   The Commonwealth must not dispose of or transfer shares in the Snowy Hydro Company without the approval of the Parliament if the disposal or transfer of shares would result in the Commonwealth holding less than the relevant percentage of all issued shares.