Hon. Tjorn Sibma questions the Minister for Environment regarding investigations, enforcement actions, and prosecutions resulting from 39 complaints of waste levy avoidance between 2017 and 2021. The Minister confirms all complaints were investigated, but no offences have been identified to date, with some investigations ongoing and reforms planned.

AnsweredQoN 357Legislative Council
Asked
23 June 2021
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

ENVIRONMENT — WASTE LEVY
357. Hon TJORN SIBMA to the minister representing the
Minister for Environment:
I refer to the minister's
answer of 2 June to my question on notice concerning the Department of Water
and Environmental Regulation's responses to accusations of systemic
waste levy avoidance.
(1) Of the 39
complaints or suspicions raised with DWER between 2017 and 2021, how many
resulted in —
(a) investigations undertaken by DWER
solely or jointly with other law enforcement agencies;
(b) enforcement actions undertaken in accordance with
DWER's compliance and enforcement policy; or
(c) successful prosecutions?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) (a) Each of
the 39 complaints or suspicions raised were investigated either independently
by the Department of Water and Environmental
Regulation or jointly with other law enforcement agencies.
(b)–(c) No offences have been identified to date as a result
of these suspicions. However, some investigations are ongoing. Given the
complex nature of waste levy avoidance, the department is currently undertaking
consultation and development of significant reforms into the waste management
sector and waste-derived materials.

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