❓ Opposition questions the Premier on the effectiveness of the state sustainability strategy in addressing Swan River environmental issues following a diesel spill. The Premier defends the strategy, highlighting increased enforcement and resources for the Swan River Trust.
AnsweredQoN 1090Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to reports that the Swan River Trust is today pumping diesel out of the Swan River near the Barrack Street jetty after hundreds of litres of fuel were discovered in the water this morning. (1) Can the Premier point to practical solutions in his currently unfunded, 300-page state sustainability strategy to help solve environmental problems on the Swan River, such as diesel spills, toxic algal blooms, erosion of the banks and poor water quality? (2) Will the Premier admit that the strategy provides, as the editorial in today’s The West Australian warns, nothing more than a “philosophical commitment” and an “academic adventure” rather than practical solutions to real problems? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(1) Can the Premier point to practical solutions in his currently unfunded, 300-page state sustainability strategy to help solve environmental problems on the Swan River, such as diesel spills, toxic algal blooms, erosion of the banks and poor water quality? (2) Will the Premier admit that the strategy provides, as the editorial in today’s The West Australian warns, nothing more than a “philosophical commitment” and an “academic adventure” rather than practical solutions to real problems? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(2) Will the Premier admit that the strategy provides, as the editorial in today’s The West Australian warns, nothing more than a “philosophical commitment” and an “academic adventure” rather than practical solutions to real problems? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(1) Can the Premier point to practical solutions in his currently unfunded, 300-page state sustainability strategy to help solve environmental problems on the Swan River, such as diesel spills, toxic algal blooms, erosion of the banks and poor water quality? (2) Will the Premier admit that the strategy provides, as the editorial in today’s The West Australian warns, nothing more than a “philosophical commitment” and an “academic adventure” rather than practical solutions to real problems? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(2) Will the Premier admit that the strategy provides, as the editorial in today’s The West Australian warns, nothing more than a “philosophical commitment” and an “academic adventure” rather than practical solutions to real problems? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
It is worth reflecting on the messages sent out from the Liberal Party to the public of Western Australia; namely, the consistently backward-looking messages delivered. Obviously, the Liberal Party spokesperson on the environment has no interest in sustainability, which is unbelievable. (1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(1)-(2) First, I have not been briefed on the spill and what the causes may be. We must wait to hear from the Swan River Trust on the result of its investigation. Second, built within our sustainability strategy is the requirement for much tougher enforcement mechanisms for industry in Western Australia. I was very proud to go down to the Swan River with the Minister for the Environment earlier this year to announce the extra resources to be provided to the Swan River Trust so that it can do its job. We have beefed up the Department of Environmental Protection’s enforcement procedures. Former police officer Mr Dick Lane has been seconded to the department for that. There is a direct connection between these issues and our sustainability strategy. What the Minister for the Environment said earlier today about the Swan River is interesting. There is no doubt that if earlier generations of Western Australians had used the sustainability approach when planning their urban and residential development next to the Swan River, we would not have algal blooms today. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER: Members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Is the reaction of the Liberal Party to this important concept not interesting? It is not a theoretical concept; it is a practical concept, as every person in our society knows. The Liberal Party can continue to adopt the politics of the past and keep its head in the sand about the major issues that we must face in Western Australia today. However, we will get on with the job of dealing with the important issues that must be addressed if the quality of life in Western Australia is to be preserved. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.