FRAN BAILEY (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence) (7:27 PM) —In summing up this legislation I wish to place on record that the Road Transport Charges (Australian Capital Territory) Amendment Bill 2002 amends the Road Transport Charges (Australian Capital Territory) Act 1993 and is used as a reference by the states, the Northern Territory and the Commonwealth to deliver nationally uniform heavy vehicle registration charges. The amendment sets out an automatic adjustment formula to be applied to registration charges that takes into account changes in road expenditure and usage attributed to heavy vehicles. The Interstate Road Transport Charge Amendment Bill 2002 amends the Interstate Road Transport Charge Act 1985 to provide the same outcome for vehicles registered under the Federal Interstate Registration Scheme.

Nationally consistent heavy vehicle charges are an essential component of the road transport reform agenda being put in place by Commonwealth, state and territory governments. Major differences in charges between states and territories can hamper efficiency and distort competition in the road transport industry, which is a vital sector of the economy. The road transport industry supports the concept of paying a fair charge for their road use. This is reflected in the mechanism set out in the Road Transport Charges (Australian Capital Territory) Amendment Bill 2002. I want to assure the House that there has been wide consultation on this issue.

In conclusion, I commend these bills. The annual adjustment approach has widespread support and provides a transparent, consistent and fair updating mechanism for the national heavy vehicle charging regime. I know that the minister would want to thank those who have participated in the debate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.