Gas Supply (Gas Quality Specifications) Act 2009

The regulations may provide for and in relation to short‑term situations.

A short‑term situation is a situation during which there is a disruption to the flow or quality of gas (whether planned or not) that means that —

a gas producer cannot —

continue to supply gas that will flow into a PIA pipeline; and

comply with section 6(1) in respect of that supply;

a pipeline services agreement or gas supply agreement cannot be complied with.

The regulations may do the following —

set out modifications of the provisions of this Part that are to apply during short‑term situations;

enable the Minister to issue directions in relation to a particular short‑term situation, modifying the application of the provisions of this Part, or regulations made for the purposes of section 14, during the short‑term situation.

Regulations or directions making modifications for the purposes of this section must specify the period during which the modifications are to have effect, which cannot be for more than 7 days, or any longer period (not exceeding 3 months) allowed by the Minister.

A direction issued by the Minister may specify a period, during which the modifications are to have effect, that begins at the beginning of the short‑term situation, whether or not that is earlier than the day on which the direction is issued.

If the Minister allows a longer period under subsection (4), the Minister must cause reasons for allowing the longer period to be laid before each House of Parliament within 6 sitting days of the House.