With only the National Council of Provinces remaining competent until such a time as the respective provincial legislatures have convened their first sittings, there is nothing programmed for Parliament this week.

The first sitting of the National Assembly is planned to take place on Friday, 14 June. Usual programming will only resume following the reconstitution of the House, the National Assembly and the joint sitting of Parliament following the elections.

As far as public comments are concerned, the Draft Master Gas Plan and the Biodiversity Bill is worth noting.

The Master Gas Plan is a policy instrument that seeks to ensure the security of gas supply by diversifying supply options from local and international markets. It outlines the role of natural gas in the context of the energy mix and provides policy direction to the industry. Deadline for comment: Saturday, 15 June

The Biodiversity Bill will enable:

• • more effective implementation of the provisions and achievement of the objectives of NEM: BA due to a revised regulatory approach;

• • greater protection of species and ecosystems through additional provisions relating to the listing of species and ecosystems, implementation of international agreements and restriction of wildlife trafficking; 

• • more effective achievement of economic benefits in the biodiversity sector, as well as beneficiation from indigenous biological resources involved in bioprospecting; and

• •  the transformation of the biodiversity sector.

Deadline for comment: Monday, 22 July