❓ A parliamentary question probes the government's commitment to establishing an independent waste management authority and addresses potential conflicts of interest within the Department of Environment. The Minister outlines steps taken to address these concerns, including facility closures and transfers of responsibility.
AnsweredQoN 2323Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Government planning to establish an independent waste management authority as promised prior to the last State Election?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) Is the Minister aware that the Department of the Environment has a serious conflict of interest in regulating waste management because it is the operator of waste management facilities itself?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) Is the Minister aware that the Department of the Environment has a serious conflict of interest in regulating waste management because it is the operator of waste management facilities itself?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
22 September 2004
Responded by
Minister for Local Government and Regional Development representing the Minister for the Environment
Response time
34 days
(1) The Government promised to examine the need for an independent waste management authority. This commitment has been fulfilled. (2) The Machinery of Government policy established by this Government sets out a clear position related to the establishment of separate agencies - essentially that there is a distinct preference for consolidation of agencies and against creation of new agencies. I established the Waste Management Board to develop a strategic direction for waste management and to foster better waste management practices in WA. The Board also advises me directly on waste management policy and the use of the Waste Management Recycling Fund. (3) Yes, I am aware that the previous Coalition Government created a conflict of interest within the Department of Environment with the formation of Waste Management WA, however I have been taking steps to redress that situation. The Brookdale Liquid Waste Treatment Facility was closed on 31 December 2003, and responsibility for managing the Mount Walton Intractable Waste Disposal Facility will be transferred from the Department of Environment in October 2004.
(2) The Machinery of Government policy established by this Government sets out a clear position related to the establishment of separate agencies - essentially that there is a distinct preference for consolidation of agencies and against creation of new agencies. I established the Waste Management Board to develop a strategic direction for waste management and to foster better waste management practices in WA. The Board also advises me directly on waste management policy and the use of the Waste Management Recycling Fund. (3) Yes, I am aware that the previous Coalition Government created a conflict of interest within the Department of Environment with the formation of Waste Management WA, however I have been taking steps to redress that situation. The Brookdale Liquid Waste Treatment Facility was closed on 31 December 2003, and responsibility for managing the Mount Walton Intractable Waste Disposal Facility will be transferred from the Department of Environment in October 2004.
(3) Yes, I am aware that the previous Coalition Government created a conflict of interest within the Department of Environment with the formation of Waste Management WA, however I have been taking steps to redress that situation. The Brookdale Liquid Waste Treatment Facility was closed on 31 December 2003, and responsibility for managing the Mount Walton Intractable Waste Disposal Facility will be transferred from the Department of Environment in October 2004.
(2) The Machinery of Government policy established by this Government sets out a clear position related to the establishment of separate agencies - essentially that there is a distinct preference for consolidation of agencies and against creation of new agencies. I established the Waste Management Board to develop a strategic direction for waste management and to foster better waste management practices in WA. The Board also advises me directly on waste management policy and the use of the Waste Management Recycling Fund. (3) Yes, I am aware that the previous Coalition Government created a conflict of interest within the Department of Environment with the formation of Waste Management WA, however I have been taking steps to redress that situation. The Brookdale Liquid Waste Treatment Facility was closed on 31 December 2003, and responsibility for managing the Mount Walton Intractable Waste Disposal Facility will be transferred from the Department of Environment in October 2004.
(3) Yes, I am aware that the previous Coalition Government created a conflict of interest within the Department of Environment with the formation of Waste Management WA, however I have been taking steps to redress that situation. The Brookdale Liquid Waste Treatment Facility was closed on 31 December 2003, and responsibility for managing the Mount Walton Intractable Waste Disposal Facility will be transferred from the Department of Environment in October 2004.
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