The NT Government’s community consultation to consider improvements to the current Swimming Pool Safety laws will soon be closing.
The consultation has been open for submissions since 11 May 2018 and will close on Friday 6 July 2018.
Currently the Northern Territory Swimming Pool Safety Act 2004 requires only certain swimming pools to have safety barriers. This consultation will consider whether those areas that are currently excluded – such as properties over 1.8 hectares in size – should be required to have compulsory pool safety barriers.
At the time of the initial laws Government took into consideration a range of factors that were relevant at the time. The laws set standards for pool safety barriers and how, when and for which pools these standards apply.
With the Community’s input, Government will consider what changes could be made to improve safety outcomes for those properties currently exempt and to streamline the existing systems that are already in place.
People with existing pool safety barriers - certified as compliant to the current Swimming Pool Safety laws - won’t need to make any changes if the laws are updated.
The reform is focused on making sure the Swimming Pool Safety Act and the Regulations deliver safe home swimming pool areas for children under five years of age, and are effective and easy for the community and industry to understand and follow.
The Swimming Pool Safety Consultation Paper focuses on the following areas:
- The exemptions from requiring a pool barrier at:
- properties 1.8 hectares or more in size; and
- short-term holiday accommodation in houses, townhouses and units.
- Enabling updated safety standards for pool barriers to be adopted.
- Alternative access solutions for people with a disability.
- Temporary pool safety barriers during construction.
The Community is invited to come and have their say at the final pop up stands;
2.30pm to 4.30pm Humpty Doo Shopping Centre, Friday 29 June 2018
10am to 12pm at Darwin Waterfront, Monday 2 July 2018.
The Consultation Paper and online survey are also available at www.haveyoursay.nt.gov.au
Media Contact: 08 8946 5135.