The question raises concerns about a conflict of interest regarding the Department of Environmental Protection's role as both operator and regulator of the Brookdale Waste Disposal Plant. The answer outlines plans to transfer operational responsibility to the Water Corporation and clarifies the government's position on establishing an independent Waste Management Authority.

AnsweredQoN 409Legislative Council
Asked
5 March 2003
Portfolio
the Environment and Heritage

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Does the Minister accept that the recent pollution problems at the Brookdale Waste Disposal Plant are partly due to the conflict of interest between the Department of Environmental Protection’s role as operator and regulator of this facility?
(2) What plans does the Minister have to resolve this conflict of interest?
(3) When does the Government intend to establish an independent WA Waste Management Authority as promised prior to the 2001 State Election?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
12 March 2003
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
7 days
(2) It is intended to address the conflict of interest between the DEP and Waste Management WA, which was created by the previous Government, by transferring responsibility for operations at the Brookdale site to the Water Corporation which owns the site. The DEP can then resume its role as a regulator instead of the EPA. (3) The Government committed to examine the need for an independent Waste Management Authority. The Machinery of Government process resulted in a decision not to proceed with this proposal, however, this Government has created the Waste Management Board to provide overarching independent advice to Government on waste management policy issues.
(3) The Government committed to examine the need for an independent Waste Management Authority. The Machinery of Government process resulted in a decision not to proceed with this proposal, however, this Government has created the Waste Management Board to provide overarching independent advice to Government on waste management policy issues.

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