Bipartisan support sought for tough new environmental laws

5/3/03
Environment Minister Judy Edwards has called for bipartisan support for proposed tough environmental laws debated in the Legislative Council last night.
Dr Edwards said the Government's Environmental Protection Amendment Bill 2002 offered landmark protection to the State's environment and urged all Upper House members to support the new laws.
"The Opposition's attitude to this legislation simply demonstrates that they are locked into 19th century thinking," the Minister said.
An attempt by the Opposition to send the proposed legislation to a standing committee was last night defeated 15-14 in the Legislative Council.
The amendments to the Environmental Protection Act will bring more stringent controls on toxic spills and illegal land clearing and harsh penalties for people and companies who conceal or fail to report environmental harm. Major penalties will be introduced for acts of environmental vandalism including a new offence of environmental harm.
Individuals intentionally causing serious environmental harm face penalties of up to $500,000 or five years in jail - irresponsible corporations may be fined up to $1million.
"The passage of this much-needed legislation goes beyond party politics - it is about ensuring Western Australia's unique yet fragile environment is preserved for future generations," Dr Edwards said.
"I call on all Legislative Council members to support the Bill.
"I also call on all community members to lobby their local member to support this important Bill.
"I make no apologies for extending current prosecution powers and introducing big fines.
"No penalty is too harsh when it comes to saving the environment.
"Under this Government, environmental vandals will be punished."
Dr Edwards said land clearing laws would also be beefed up.
"The new provisions will make it an offence to clear native vegetation without a permit, unless an exemption applies," she said.
"Apart from revegetation obligations, illegal clearing will result in a penalty of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.
"Under existing legislation, the maximum fine for illegal clearing is a paltry $3,000."
The Bill also contains a special provision stopping people from unauthorised clearing while Parliament debates the proposed legislation.
Dr Edwards said the State Government was committed to making the most significant changes to WA's environmental laws in more than a decade.
She said the State Government was continuing to rebuild community confidence in environmental regulation.
The Minister recently announced the establishment of the Environmental Enforcement Unit - a nine-member team designed to bolster environmental enforcement and prosecution.
The $500,000 initiative will be headed by a senior prosecutor and include specialist investigative and licence review officers.
The new unit will add to more than 50 officers working in licence compliance, contaminated site regulation, pollution regulation and incident response.
Minister's office: 9222 9944