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WASTE AVOIDANCE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY LEVY BILL 2007
Introduction and First Reading
Bill introduced, on motion by Mr D.A. Templeman (Minister for the Environment),
and read a first time.
Explanatory memorandum presented by the minister.
Second Reading
MR D.A. TEMPLEMAN (Mandurah - Minister for the Environment) [1.18 pm]: I move
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That the bill be now read a second time.
A levy has been in place since 1998 under the Environmental Protection (Landfill)
Levy Act 1998. The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Bill 2007 will repeal
that act and this bill will replace it. There are two objectives of the landfill
levy. It functions as an economic instrument for influencing waste management
practices, including reducing waste to landfill, by increasing the price of
landfill disposal. The funds raised by the landfill levy are then used to support
waste-related programs that have the effect of reducing waste to landfill. The
effect of the bill is essentially unchanged, but the name has been changed to
reflect the companion bill, the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Bill 2007.
The provisions of this levy bill have been tightened slightly, from those under
the Environmental Protection (Landfill) Levy Act 1998, to ensure that the occupier
of a landfill cannot avoid liability for the levy by failing to hold the required
licence. Although the wording of the bill is appropriately general, there is
no intention at this time to apply the levy to anything other than waste that
is in landfill. Should any Government seek to change how the levy is applied
at some time in the future, it could only be achieved by the making of regulations,
which would require wide consultation with affected stakeholders and the assent
of the Parliament. It is not anticipated that the levy should be applied to
alternative waste treatment or materials recovery facilities at any stage.
I commend the bill to the house.
Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr T.R. Sprigg.