❓ The Minister outlines the government's new environmental enforcement unit and criticises the previous government's inaction on contaminated sites legislation. The response highlights a new initiative and contrasts it with past delays.
AnsweredQoN 459Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the minister outline to the House the Government’s latest initiative to bolster environment protection? Dr J.M. EDWARDS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question and his interest in the area. I am pleased to advise the House that I released a media statement last week announcing the establishment of a new environmental enforcement unit for the State. There is no doubt that the community is telling the Government that it wants very strong environment protection. The Government has heeded the call and is in the process of establishing a new nine-member specialist unit to check compliance and ensure that the State has the best environmental enforcement possible. The unit has a new allocation of $500 000 for the remainder of the financial year and will receive additional money next year. This Government has been listening to the community. We have introduced into the House major amendments to the Environmental Protection Act that were identified as urgent more than a decade ago. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and his interest in the area. I am pleased to advise the House that I released a media statement last week announcing the establishment of a new environmental enforcement unit for the State. There is no doubt that the community is telling the Government that it wants very strong environment protection. The Government has heeded the call and is in the process of establishing a new nine-member specialist unit to check compliance and ensure that the State has the best environmental enforcement possible. The unit has a new allocation of $500 000 for the remainder of the financial year and will receive additional money next year. This Government has been listening to the community. We have introduced into the House major amendments to the Environmental Protection Act that were identified as urgent more than a decade ago. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
I thank the member for some notice of this question and his interest in the area. I am pleased to advise the House that I released a media statement last week announcing the establishment of a new environmental enforcement unit for the State. There is no doubt that the community is telling the Government that it wants very strong environment protection. The Government has heeded the call and is in the process of establishing a new nine-member specialist unit to check compliance and ensure that the State has the best environmental enforcement possible. The unit has a new allocation of $500 000 for the remainder of the financial year and will receive additional money next year. This Government has been listening to the community. We have introduced into the House major amendments to the Environmental Protection Act that were identified as urgent more than a decade ago. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and his interest in the area. I am pleased to advise the House that I released a media statement last week announcing the establishment of a new environmental enforcement unit for the State. There is no doubt that the community is telling the Government that it wants very strong environment protection. The Government has heeded the call and is in the process of establishing a new nine-member specialist unit to check compliance and ensure that the State has the best environmental enforcement possible. The unit has a new allocation of $500 000 for the remainder of the financial year and will receive additional money next year. This Government has been listening to the community. We have introduced into the House major amendments to the Environmental Protection Act that were identified as urgent more than a decade ago. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
I thank the member for some notice of this question and his interest in the area. I am pleased to advise the House that I released a media statement last week announcing the establishment of a new environmental enforcement unit for the State. There is no doubt that the community is telling the Government that it wants very strong environment protection. The Government has heeded the call and is in the process of establishing a new nine-member specialist unit to check compliance and ensure that the State has the best environmental enforcement possible. The unit has a new allocation of $500 000 for the remainder of the financial year and will receive additional money next year. This Government has been listening to the community. We have introduced into the House major amendments to the Environmental Protection Act that were identified as urgent more than a decade ago. Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Let us look at the issue of contaminated sites. In 1994, when members opposite were on this side of the House, we were told that contaminated sites legislation was urgently needed. What happened after that? Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
The SPEAKER: Member for Kalgoorlie! Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1995 there was a discussion paper. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: In 1996 we were told it was urgent but we should wait one more year until 1997. In 1997 we were told the legislation would be introduced in spring; 1997 came and went. We were then told five years later in 1999 - Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Mr M.G. House: Take some responsibility. Do your job. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member for Stirling was part of the Cabinet of the previous Government that held up this legislation. In 1999, five years after saying it was urgent, the Government then said it was a priority. Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
Mr Speaker, although it might have been a priority in April 1999, by September 1999 the former minister was on the record saying that the critical thing was that it did not matter that Western Australia did not have contaminated sites legislation. Strangely, by December 1999 it was back to being a priority again, and in 2000 we finally saw a discussion paper. This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
This Government has introduced contaminated sites legislation into the House. I was delighted to read in Business News earlier this year that this legislation is now regarded as the most important piece of environmental legislation introduced into WA in the past decade. This Government has an agenda; it is delivering.
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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.