❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses potential conflicts of interest in waste management, container deposit legislation, and construction/demolition waste recycling. The government outlines its approach to these issues, including reviews, investigations, and stakeholder consultations.
AnsweredQoN 161Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Does the Government intend to address the conflict of interest between the same department operating and regulating the Mt Walton and Forrestdale hazardous waste facilities?
(2) If yes, what does the Government intend to do to address this problem?
(3) Is the Government currently considering a proposal to allow hazardous waste to be treated at Forrestdale?
(4) If yes, does the Minister agree that this matter raises a serious conflict of interest for the Government as the owner of that facility?
(5) Did the Government promise to establish an independent Waste Management Authority?
(6) If yes, when will this promise be honoured?
(7) What does the Government intend to do to honour its commitment to consider the introduction of container deposit legislation in WA?
(8) Is the Minister aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource which is currently being dumped?
(9) Does the Government have a strategy for the recycling on construction and demolition waste?
(10) If yes, what is it?
(2) If yes, what does the Government intend to do to address this problem?
(3) Is the Government currently considering a proposal to allow hazardous waste to be treated at Forrestdale?
(4) If yes, does the Minister agree that this matter raises a serious conflict of interest for the Government as the owner of that facility?
(5) Did the Government promise to establish an independent Waste Management Authority?
(6) If yes, when will this promise be honoured?
(7) What does the Government intend to do to honour its commitment to consider the introduction of container deposit legislation in WA?
(8) Is the Minister aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource which is currently being dumped?
(9) Does the Government have a strategy for the recycling on construction and demolition waste?
(10) If yes, what is it?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 September 2001
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
41 days
(2) The Machinery of Government changes have provided the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) with greater independence to regulate these facilities. Waste Management (WA) still remains the proponent. (3) An Environmental Public Review document was released in August 2001. This discusses the appropriateness of the facility to manage a range of wastes. The process is both open and accountable, and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage will consider the recommendations of the EPA in light of public submissions on this matter before reaching a decision. Public submissions close on 2 October 2001. (4) There is sufficient openness and accountability of the Public Review Process to ensure any matter of conflict of interest is not an issue. (5) No. The Government is not planning to establish any more statutory authorities or Government departments as recommended in the Machinery of Government report. However, the Government is investigating the formation of a single waste management body to oversee all aspects of waste management in the State. (6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(3) An Environmental Public Review document was released in August 2001. This discusses the appropriateness of the facility to manage a range of wastes. The process is both open and accountable, and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage will consider the recommendations of the EPA in light of public submissions on this matter before reaching a decision. Public submissions close on 2 October 2001. (4) There is sufficient openness and accountability of the Public Review Process to ensure any matter of conflict of interest is not an issue. (5) No. The Government is not planning to establish any more statutory authorities or Government departments as recommended in the Machinery of Government report. However, the Government is investigating the formation of a single waste management body to oversee all aspects of waste management in the State. (6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(4) There is sufficient openness and accountability of the Public Review Process to ensure any matter of conflict of interest is not an issue. (5) No. The Government is not planning to establish any more statutory authorities or Government departments as recommended in the Machinery of Government report. However, the Government is investigating the formation of a single waste management body to oversee all aspects of waste management in the State. (6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(5) No. The Government is not planning to establish any more statutory authorities or Government departments as recommended in the Machinery of Government report. However, the Government is investigating the formation of a single waste management body to oversee all aspects of waste management in the State. (6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(10) Not applicable.
(3) An Environmental Public Review document was released in August 2001. This discusses the appropriateness of the facility to manage a range of wastes. The process is both open and accountable, and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage will consider the recommendations of the EPA in light of public submissions on this matter before reaching a decision. Public submissions close on 2 October 2001. (4) There is sufficient openness and accountability of the Public Review Process to ensure any matter of conflict of interest is not an issue. (5) No. The Government is not planning to establish any more statutory authorities or Government departments as recommended in the Machinery of Government report. However, the Government is investigating the formation of a single waste management body to oversee all aspects of waste management in the State. (6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(4) There is sufficient openness and accountability of the Public Review Process to ensure any matter of conflict of interest is not an issue. (5) No. The Government is not planning to establish any more statutory authorities or Government departments as recommended in the Machinery of Government report. However, the Government is investigating the formation of a single waste management body to oversee all aspects of waste management in the State. (6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(5) No. The Government is not planning to establish any more statutory authorities or Government departments as recommended in the Machinery of Government report. However, the Government is investigating the formation of a single waste management body to oversee all aspects of waste management in the State. (6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(6) Consultation is being undertaken with relevant stakeholders regarding formation of the single waste management body and a submission will be made to Cabinet in due course. (7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(7) In late May 2001, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage approved a grant from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund to investigate the value of container deposit legislation. (8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(8) The Minister for the Environment and Heritage is aware that construction and demolition waste is a large resource. Not all the resource is being landfilled, and as a matter of high priority the Minister proposes to seek and consider advice on initiatives that would increase the amount currently being recycled. (9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(9) No. However, the WAste 2020 Taskforce has prepared a draft action plan called 'Towards Zero Waste: Actions for the Construction and Demolition Sector' (April 2001). In addition, the State Recycling Advisory Committee has developed a strategy for this waste stream which has been forwarded to the Minister for Environment & Heritage. The draft was released prior to the change in Government and is on hold pending review by a peak body in line with WAste 2020 recommendations before progressing further. This draft has not been circulated to stakeholders for review at this point. The Government intends to develop an implementation strategy in consultation with stakeholders. (10) Not applicable.
(10) Not applicable.
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