AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

RURAL WORKERS ACCOMMODATION REGULATIONS

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

No. 7 of 1962

		Australian Capital Territory legislation regulating rural workers accommodation has been based closely on New South Wales legislation but since the last amendment to the Rural Workers Accommodation Regulations in 1952 the New South Wales law has undergone a number of changes.  The Rural Workers Accommodation Regulations consequently require amendment to bring them into line with the current New South Wales Regulations and the opportunity has been taken to redraft them entirely.

		The principal changes intended by the draft Regulations are as follows :-
	(a)	sleeping, dining, cooking, and store facilities must be located at prescribed distances from shearing sheds, and washing and bathing facilities at prescribed distances from sleeping quarters.  (Regs. 4(2) and (3) and 31).
	(b)	Inspectors may direct that floors with cracks or defects, or made of cement or flagstones, should be covered with prescribed floor coverings.  (Regs.5(7) and (8).)
	(c)	New standards are prescribed for –
		(i)	flyproofing of kitchens, dining rooms and storerooms, meatsafes and meatrooms.  (Regs.8, 13, 14).
		(ii)	artificial lighting.  (Reg.9).
		(iii)	cooking, serving, messing, cleaning and waste and refuse disposal.  (Regs. 10, 41).
		(iv)	heated and unheated washing and bathing water.  (Regs. 32, 33).
		(v)	sleeping accommodation for cooks.  (Reg.22).
		(vi)	sanitary conveniences.  (Regs. 36-39).
		(vii)	slaughtering for consumption, and the disposal of offal.  (Reg. 40)
	(d)	separate and communal food refrigeration is made compulsory between September and May, and standards of cleanliness and maintenance are prescribed.  (Reg.11)
	(e)	bathrooms must be provided (Reg. 28).  Previously they were required only when sufficient water for the purpose could reasonably be provided.