On 16 June 2011, the AEMC decided to make a Rule that was initiated by the AEMC to correct minor errors and makes non-material changes to the National Gas Rules (the Rules). The National Gas Amendment (Minor Changes) Rule 2011 No. 3 will commence operation on 16 June 2011.

The Commission considers that the Rule as Made will improve the quality of the Rules in terms of accuracy and consistency. The Commission considers that the Rule is likely to contribute to the achievement of the NGO, albeit the efficiency benefits that will result from the Rule are considered to be very small given the minor or non-material nature of the changes proposed. 

The Rule as Made supports effective and transparent regulation and operation of the market, by clarifying the operation of the Rules in the following ways:

• it corrects several minor errors, including formatting, numbering, and cross referencing anomalies in the Rules;
• it amends and deletes some defined terms;
• it amends some references to terms to more accurately reflect the intent of the provision; and
• it deletes a schedule of the Rules that is now redundant.

Background 

On 5 May 2011, the Commission gave notice under sections 303 and 304(1)(a) of the NGL of its intention to initiate the proposed National Gas Amendment (Minor Changes) Rule 2011 under the expedited Rule making process, subject to any written objections to the expedited Rule making process, and to initiate public consultation on the Rule proposal. No objections or submissions were received in relation to this Rule proposal.