Waste Levy

A question put forward to the Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises) regarding waste levy.

I direct the following question to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. I refer to Volume 2, page 418, relating to EPA Waste Levy. The audit notes that the EPA's waste levy audit reports summarising audit findings for 2008-09 were incomplete. As a result, there is an increased risk the EPA had not received all waste levies revenue it was entitled to under the regulations. Audit also reviewed progress to date with 2009-10 waste levy audit activities. For several waste depots assessed as extreme or high risk, there was no available documentary evidence at the time of audit that site inspections, weighbridge audits or surveillance activities had been performed. My question is: how will this be addressed, particularly in light of increases to the solid waste levy?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: We will refer those questions to the Premier and the Minister for Environment and Conservation, who is obviously the relevant minister in relation to the EPA, and we will endeavour to bring back a response.

Thursday 10 February 2011

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (10 November 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises): The Minister for Environment and Conservation has advised that:

1. I am advised that all operational waste levy audit activities for 2008-09 were completed and all waste levies received as per the regulations.

I am further advised that the EPA has addressed the issue of incomplete reporting and activities by incorporating waste levy audit processes into the EPA's Financial Management Compliance Framework, which will provide greater independent review and oversight of the waste levy audit program.