Hon Ben Dawkins questions the Main Roads Amendment Bill 2023, raising concerns about potential overlap with existing ministerial powers, land development, commercial use of public roads, and a new tax on heavy vehicles. The Minister acknowledges existing powers and defends the heavy vehicle charge as a formalisation of an existing scheme.

AnsweredQoN 836Legislative Council
Asked
15 August 2023
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

MAIN ROADS AMENDMENT BILL 2023
836. Hon BEN DAWKINS to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer the minister to the Main
Roads Amendment Bill 2023.
(1) Is the
minister aware that there is already a minister known as the Minister for Lands
who has the power to deal with crown land?
(2) Is the
minister aware that there is already a government agency known as DevelopmentWA
that has the power to develop land on behalf of the state of Western Australia?
(3) Is the
minister concerned about public roads being used for private commercial
purposes and Main Roads Western Australia resuming land for private commercial
purposes?
(4) Is the
minister aware that clause 40 of the Main Roads Amendment Bill proposes to
insert a new section 33(l)(f), which proposes a new tax on heavy vehicles?

AnswerView source ↗

I
note that one of those questions asked for an opinion, but I will provide the
answer that was given to me by the minister.
(1)–(3) The
minister is aware of existing powers and responsibilities of other ministers
and government agencies. Main Roads Western Australia
is best placed to administer the road reserve and road-related infrastructure. Main Roads will continue to work closely with other government agencies as it
has always done.
(4) This is a formalisation
of the bulk commodities road maintenance contribution scheme, which has been in
place for a number of years, and ensures users who receive concessional loading
benefits pay for the maintenance required for the additional wear and tear
caused.

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