Outcome: 	1. Environment 		Question No: 2
Output: 	1.1  Atmosphere 
Division/Agency:	Policy Coordination and Environment Protection Division
Topic: 	Appointment of an Industry Board for the Refrigerant Industry

Hansard Page ECITA: 	Written Question on notice

Senator Webber asked: 
In November 2003 the above legislation was passed with bipartisan support. The legislation sets out to continue the internationally agreed phase-out of HCFC gases, covered in previous legislation, and minimise emissions of HFC gases, which are controlled by the Kyoto Protocol, but previously uncontrolled in Australia. These gases are mainly used as refrigerants.
The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 2003 sets out various controls on importing and reporting.
Given the above legislation has been in place since late 2003, why hasn't the Minister appointed an industry board to implement the essential controls?  

Answer/s:
The Australian Government consulted widely with affected stakeholders and interested parties throughout 2004 to develop a consistent national system. Discussion papers were issued in January 2004. Draft regulations were circulated to affected stakeholders for comment in July 2004. The Regulations were made on 16 December 2004 and commenced on 1 January 2005. The regulations provide for a national licensing system and appointment of a non-government organisation as the industry board to administer the licensing system. The requirement for a national licence commences on 1 July 2005.

Following a tender process conducted by the department in the second half of 2004, the Minister was not convinced that the appointment of a single industry board would be the most effective and cost efficient option for the industry and consumers. He has requested the department to conduct a fresh tender process to allow for administration of the licensing system to be delivered on a sectoral, regional or national basis, or a combination of all three. He has not completely ruled out a single board, but wants to vigorously test the effectiveness of one board against different options for delivery at a national, sector or regional level, or a combination of all three. The Minister has stated his intention to appoint industry boards before 1 July 2005. 

Outcome:	1. Environment 		Question No: 3
Output:  	1.1Atmosphere
Division/Agency: 	Policy Coordination and Environment Protection Division
Topic: 	Refrigerant Industry Licensing Scheme	
Hansard Page ECITA: 	Written Question on notice

Senator Webber asked: 
Given people cannot purchase refrigerants without a licence after 1 July 2005 and the industry board that issues these licences has not been appointed, how does the Government intend to licence the individuals and businesses that need to be licensed before 1 July so the Australian air-conditioning and refrigeration industry can continue to function?

Answer/s:
Licences will continue to be issued under the state and territory systems, which are legally in force until 30 June 2005.

Outcome:	1. Environment		Question No: 4
Output: 	1.1  Atmosphere
Division/Agency:	Policy Coordination and Environment Protection Division
Topic: 	Refrigerant Industry Licensing Scheme	
Hansard Page ECITA: 	Written Question on notice	

Senator Webber asked: 
How many complying tenders did the Department of the Environment and Heritage receive for the mandatory training and certification regime as a result of the tender process in July 2004?  What action has been taken since the close of the tender process?

Answer/s:
Two compliant tenders were received and evaluated by the Department of the Environment and Heritage. After considering the tender responses, the Minister requested the department to call for fresh tenders allowing for proposals to administer the licensing system on a sectoral, regional or national basis, or a combination of all three.

Outcome: 	1. Environment		Question No: 5
Output: 	1.1  Atmosphere
Division/Agency: 	Policy Coordination and Environment Protection Division
Topic: 	Appointment of an Industry Board for the Refrigerant Industry

Hansard Page ECITA: 	Written Question on notice

Senator Webber asked: 
Has the Minister met with any interested parties to discuss the appointment of the industry board since tenders closed in July 2004?  If so, who?  What was discussed at the meeting?

Answer/s:
The department does not have any information on any meetings that the Minister may have had on this issue.

Outcome: 	1. Environment		Question No: 6
Output:	1.1  Atmosphere
Division/Agency: 	Policy Coordination and Environment Protection Division
Topic: 	Refrigerant Industry
Hansard Page ECITA: 	Written Question on notice

Senator Webber asked: 
Given that the government has spent almost $5 million of taxpayers money on the establishment and operation of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Council, charged with implementing a voluntary national scheme training and certification scheme, what is the government's intention for this body?

Answer/s:
The voluntary certification scheme operated by the National Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Council (now known as the Australian Refrigeration Council) will be overtaken by the mandated national licensing scheme from 1 July 2005. The ARC will be able to compete with other interested parties to act as an administrator of the national licensing system.