❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks information on the Department of Environment and Protection's (DEP) budget, staffing, and activities related to policing pollution licenses, solid waste management, fuel sampling, and policy development. The response provides figures and explanations, highlighting resource constraints and a risk-based approach to inspections.
AnsweredQoN 471Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How much did the DEP budget for policing pollution licences for each of the last five years?
(2) How many active inspectors have been employed in the DEP for policing pollution licenses in the Perth metropolitan region for each of the last five years?
(3) How many premises in the Perth metropolitan region have been issued pollution licenses by the DEP?
(4) How many solid waste inspectors have been employed in the DEP for each of the last five years?
(5) Does the Minister intend to increase the number of inspectors policing pollution licenses?
(6) If so, by how many and when?
(7) How many people have been employed in the policy development section of the DEP for each of the last five years?
(8) How often does the DEP sample Perth’s unleaded fuel supply?
(9) Will the Minister table the results for the last four years?
(2) How many active inspectors have been employed in the DEP for policing pollution licenses in the Perth metropolitan region for each of the last five years?
(3) How many premises in the Perth metropolitan region have been issued pollution licenses by the DEP?
(4) How many solid waste inspectors have been employed in the DEP for each of the last five years?
(5) Does the Minister intend to increase the number of inspectors policing pollution licenses?
(6) If so, by how many and when?
(7) How many people have been employed in the policy development section of the DEP for each of the last five years?
(8) How often does the DEP sample Perth’s unleaded fuel supply?
(9) Will the Minister table the results for the last four years?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
11 April 2002
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
30 days
However, for the Perth region, it is estimated to be approximately $250,000 for the 2001/02 financial year. Estimates for previous financial years are between $220,000 and $240,000. 2. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has advised the Minister that there are: Five active inspectors in the Pollution Response Branch, who also cover the Kimberley and Wheatbelt. Inspections of premises with pollution prevention licences form about 10% of their duties. 11 inspectors in the Licensing Section, who also cover the Kimberley and Wheatbelt. Inspections of premises with pollution prevention licences form about 5% of their duties. Four inspectors in the Controlled Waste Section who cover the Perth metropolitan area. Inspections of premises with liquid waste licences form about 90% of their duties. 3. There are 243 premises which hold pollution prevention licences and approximately 4,500 premises which hold liquid waste licences in the Perth region. 4. Over the past four years (including 2001/02) an average of 16 staff (inspectors & licensing staff in the Pollution Prevention Division) have had the function of inspecting solid waste premises in the Perth region. However, this function forms a relatively small part of their duties. Prior to 1999, 5 people in the Waste Management Section had the function of inspecting all solid waste premises in the State, as well as their other licensing duties. Overall, less than one FTE (full time equivalent) is used on this task. 5. The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has been advised by the DEP that the current budget constraints make it difficult to allocate additional resources to this task. However, the Department is taking a risk based approach to inspections, preferentially targeting the higher risk categories. 6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
2. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has advised the Minister that there are: Five active inspectors in the Pollution Response Branch, who also cover the Kimberley and Wheatbelt. Inspections of premises with pollution prevention licences form about 10% of their duties. 11 inspectors in the Licensing Section, who also cover the Kimberley and Wheatbelt. Inspections of premises with pollution prevention licences form about 5% of their duties. Four inspectors in the Controlled Waste Section who cover the Perth metropolitan area. Inspections of premises with liquid waste licences form about 90% of their duties. 3. There are 243 premises which hold pollution prevention licences and approximately 4,500 premises which hold liquid waste licences in the Perth region. 4. Over the past four years (including 2001/02) an average of 16 staff (inspectors & licensing staff in the Pollution Prevention Division) have had the function of inspecting solid waste premises in the Perth region. However, this function forms a relatively small part of their duties. Prior to 1999, 5 people in the Waste Management Section had the function of inspecting all solid waste premises in the State, as well as their other licensing duties. Overall, less than one FTE (full time equivalent) is used on this task. 5. The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has been advised by the DEP that the current budget constraints make it difficult to allocate additional resources to this task. However, the Department is taking a risk based approach to inspections, preferentially targeting the higher risk categories. 6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
4. Over the past four years (including 2001/02) an average of 16 staff (inspectors & licensing staff in the Pollution Prevention Division) have had the function of inspecting solid waste premises in the Perth region. However, this function forms a relatively small part of their duties. Prior to 1999, 5 people in the Waste Management Section had the function of inspecting all solid waste premises in the State, as well as their other licensing duties. Overall, less than one FTE (full time equivalent) is used on this task. 5. The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has been advised by the DEP that the current budget constraints make it difficult to allocate additional resources to this task. However, the Department is taking a risk based approach to inspections, preferentially targeting the higher risk categories. 6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
5. The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has been advised by the DEP that the current budget constraints make it difficult to allocate additional resources to this task. However, the Department is taking a risk based approach to inspections, preferentially targeting the higher risk categories. 6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
2. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has advised the Minister that there are: Five active inspectors in the Pollution Response Branch, who also cover the Kimberley and Wheatbelt. Inspections of premises with pollution prevention licences form about 10% of their duties. 11 inspectors in the Licensing Section, who also cover the Kimberley and Wheatbelt. Inspections of premises with pollution prevention licences form about 5% of their duties. Four inspectors in the Controlled Waste Section who cover the Perth metropolitan area. Inspections of premises with liquid waste licences form about 90% of their duties. 3. There are 243 premises which hold pollution prevention licences and approximately 4,500 premises which hold liquid waste licences in the Perth region. 4. Over the past four years (including 2001/02) an average of 16 staff (inspectors & licensing staff in the Pollution Prevention Division) have had the function of inspecting solid waste premises in the Perth region. However, this function forms a relatively small part of their duties. Prior to 1999, 5 people in the Waste Management Section had the function of inspecting all solid waste premises in the State, as well as their other licensing duties. Overall, less than one FTE (full time equivalent) is used on this task. 5. The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has been advised by the DEP that the current budget constraints make it difficult to allocate additional resources to this task. However, the Department is taking a risk based approach to inspections, preferentially targeting the higher risk categories. 6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
4. Over the past four years (including 2001/02) an average of 16 staff (inspectors & licensing staff in the Pollution Prevention Division) have had the function of inspecting solid waste premises in the Perth region. However, this function forms a relatively small part of their duties. Prior to 1999, 5 people in the Waste Management Section had the function of inspecting all solid waste premises in the State, as well as their other licensing duties. Overall, less than one FTE (full time equivalent) is used on this task. 5. The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has been advised by the DEP that the current budget constraints make it difficult to allocate additional resources to this task. However, the Department is taking a risk based approach to inspections, preferentially targeting the higher risk categories. 6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
5. The Minister for the Environment and Heritage has been advised by the DEP that the current budget constraints make it difficult to allocate additional resources to this task. However, the Department is taking a risk based approach to inspections, preferentially targeting the higher risk categories. 6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
6. Answered by (5). 7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
7. In the Policy Development Branch there were the following permanent positions, however, this refers only to the Environmental Protection Policy function. Staff in other divisions also undertake policy development, but have not been included in the data below, as these functions are not separately recorded: 2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
2001-2002 - 4.0 FTE 2000-2001 - 5.0 FTE 1999-2000 - 4.5 FTE 1998-1999 - 4.5 FTE 1997-1998 - 4.5 FTE 8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
8. There has been one round of sampling by the DEP shortly after the introduction of the regulations in 2000. This has subsequently been augmented by several audits of fuel quality data from fuel suppliers. Negotiations are underway to enable Western Australia to be provided with the results of fuel quality monitoring carried out by officers of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection as part of national fuel standards legislation. 9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
9. Yes, I now table the results on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. See tabled paper.
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