Local Nuisance and Litter Control (Illegal Dumping on Construction Sites Amendment Bill)

Remarks on Local Nuisance and Litter Control (Illegal dumping on construction site) Amendment Bill.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I will be brief. This bill addresses the matter of increasing levels of illegal dumping, which is taking place on construction sites, by increasing fines and some of the disciplinary sanctions. There is a new offence for disposing of litter on a construction site, with a higher expiation fee, including on-the-spot fines between $420 to $2,000. In his second reading contribution, the mover of this bill stated that local councils have identified that some 'small operators are the most likely source of illegally dumped construction and demolition waste'.

The mover also identified that a number of stakeholders, including the Housing Industry Association and Consumer and Business Services, have identified illegal dumping as a particular problem which is costly for the industry. We have determined that, on balance, we will support this piece of legislation which will address those matters, and look forward to the committee stage of the debate.