Hansard debates

Debate resumed.

Mr McGUIRE (Broadmeadows) — Victoria's Environment Protection Act 1970 was one of the first in the world to establish a comprehensive legislative framework for protecting our environment, and a component that was fundamental was the creation of the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA). Since 1971 the EPA has played a major role in protecting Victoria's environment, working with business, local governments and the community. Reducing pollution and managing waste have been two of the most critical propositions that it has had to deal with.

I want to thank the Victorian government for the budget provision in 2017–18 of $162 million over five years to implement the Labor government's response to the independent inquiry into the EPA, and I point out that that is the first comprehensive examination of the authority since it was established. These reforms are critical and relevant so that we have a strong and modern environmental regulator that can deal with the issues that we now confront.

As I was referring to before the debate was interrupted, we have seen the dangers that can arise from what is now seen as the national problem of waste stockpiling. That was dramatically exposed in the state district of Broadmeadows with the SKM Recycling facility in Coolaroo and the toxic fire that produced a plume that went all the way into the central business district.

I commend the Victorian government at the leadership level. The Premier came out and reassured the community. It was important to have him there with his leadership and authority and for him to be able to make statements when the fire had been contained. The Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services was also front and centre, making sure that the coordination and collaboration was there from all of our emergency services. That was really important as well. I want to acknowledge the effort that they made. I want to thank the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change as well for her coordinating role in pulling things together. She also had to deal with other ministerial duties interstate at the time.

This issue is now of national significance. Only this week it was featured on the ABC's Four Corners. The program revealed what is happening across state borders, particularly from New South Wales to Queensland. This legislation, as part of a raft of reforms, is really critical to address what has happened. We now have the legislative reforms that are being put through the Victorian Parliament. We have more to come on this, and we also have the record funding that has been put in to give the EPA more authority. I am delighted with the response that has occurred, because I called immediately that it had become apparent how significant this fire was in Coolaroo for greater scrutiny, accountability and compliance, and this is really the framework to actually address that and give the EPA greater powers.

With waste management policy, there will be more to come on recyclable materials and what are the risk assessments by operators, what is the compliance that is needed and how do we address the polluters who are not complying or dodging the system, as has been revealed in the media as well as by the authorities.

I know that there are a number of other people who want to speak on this bill, and I am happy to yield to give them an opportunity.