❓ The Minister acknowledges non-compliance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act due to its outdated nature, while defending the safety practices of the Department of Minerals and Energy and attributing accident reporting discrepancies to differing requirements.
AnsweredQoN 351Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Auditor General’s report in relation to the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act 1961, tabled on 11 October, and ask - (1) Can the minister advise why control and regulatory processes required by the Act and regulations were not being satisfactorily carried out? (2) What action has the minister taken to ensure this sloppy practice does not continue? (3) Why was there such a discrepancy in the number of explosive-related accidents reported by the Department of Minerals and Energy and the number reported by the Health Department, which was almost four times greater? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(1) Can the minister advise why control and regulatory processes required by the Act and regulations were not being satisfactorily carried out? (2) What action has the minister taken to ensure this sloppy practice does not continue? (3) Why was there such a discrepancy in the number of explosive-related accidents reported by the Department of Minerals and Energy and the number reported by the Health Department, which was almost four times greater? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(2) What action has the minister taken to ensure this sloppy practice does not continue? (3) Why was there such a discrepancy in the number of explosive-related accidents reported by the Department of Minerals and Energy and the number reported by the Health Department, which was almost four times greater? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(3) Why was there such a discrepancy in the number of explosive-related accidents reported by the Department of Minerals and Energy and the number reported by the Health Department, which was almost four times greater? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(1) Can the minister advise why control and regulatory processes required by the Act and regulations were not being satisfactorily carried out? (2) What action has the minister taken to ensure this sloppy practice does not continue? (3) Why was there such a discrepancy in the number of explosive-related accidents reported by the Department of Minerals and Energy and the number reported by the Health Department, which was almost four times greater? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(2) What action has the minister taken to ensure this sloppy practice does not continue? (3) Why was there such a discrepancy in the number of explosive-related accidents reported by the Department of Minerals and Energy and the number reported by the Health Department, which was almost four times greater? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(3) Why was there such a discrepancy in the number of explosive-related accidents reported by the Department of Minerals and Energy and the number reported by the Health Department, which was almost four times greater? (4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(4) What action has the minister taken to ensure that the public can have confidence in the statistics his agency provides about the number of accidents? Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon N.F. MOORE replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
I thank the member for the question. (1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(1) I have read carefully the Auditor General’s report, as have officers of the department. The department acknowledges that for many years it has engaged in a number of practices that are not strictly in accordance with the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act. In some cases those practices have been in place for over 20 years, and I was not the minister 20 years ago. That Act was passed in 1961 and is in many ways out of date. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: That’s tough. It does not mean it can be ignored. Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon N.F. MOORE: If the member keeps her mouth closed so that I can finish my answer, she might get a chance to ask a question. The Act has been under review for a couple of years and is in the process of being redrafted. It will soon come before the Parliament. The department and I have for some time recognised the need to resubmit the Act to Parliament. The department has developed practices for the handling and storage of dangerous goods that it believes are relevant to current circumstances, albeit they are not strictly in accordance with the Act. The Auditor General has drawn that to the department’s attention, and it will ensure that any future practices are in strict accordance with the Act, although that will mean carrying out some unnecessary and out-of-date activities. (2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(2) I do not regard those practices as sloppy. The person in charge of this section of the department is highly respected. He does not engage in sloppy practices and concerns himself with ensuring that explosive and dangerous goods are handled in a correct and proper way. (3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
(3)-(4) The discrepancy in the number of accidents reported by the Health Department and the Department of Minerals and Energy is a result of different reporting requirements. I cannot work out why the Auditor General made such an issue of it. It was explained to him that what is required of the Health Department is different from what is required of the Department of Minerals and Energy. The Department of Minerals and Energy is satisfied that it has reported the incidents it was required to report. I assure the member that, on the basis of advice provided to me, the activities of the department have not affected the potential for accidents. Public safety has not been jeopardised. The department has determined that the use and transport of dangerous goods is carried out in such a manner that the public is never jeopardised. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: Adhering to the Act might help. Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon N.F. MOORE: That is the sort of stupid comment one hears from that member. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich: It is not stupid. The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
The PRESIDENT: Order! Other members do not need a running commentary from Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich as it prevents them asking their questions. Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
Hon N.F. MOORE: Departments are required to conform to the requirements of the legislation. There is no question about that, and that is what the Department of Minerals and Energy will do. However, the nature of this industry and the methods of storing and transporting dangerous goods are changing, and the department has developed practices that it believes are perfectly safe, although the Auditor General judged them to be outside the legislation. The Government is redrafting the legislation and will introduce it into Parliament as soon as possible.
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