Senate debates

Thursday, 17 August 2017

Committees

Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference

12:11 pm

Photo of Peter Whish-WilsonPeter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 29 November 2017:

The waste and recycling industry in Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) the quantity of solid waste generated and the rate of diversion of solid waste for recycling;

(b) the accreditation and management of landfills;

(c) the extent of illegal landfilling;

(d) the role of landfill levies in determining the end destination of material, including the hypothecation of collected levies for enforcement and waste diversion purposes;

(e) the role of different incentives and collection methods in determining the quality and quantity of material collected for recycling;

(f) the destination of material collected for recycling, including the extent of material reprocessing and the stockpiling of collected material;

(g) the current economic conditions in the industry, including the market for material collected for recycling;

(h) the transportation of solid waste across state boundaries;

(i) the role of the Australian Government in providing a coherent, efficient and environmentally responsible approach to solid waste management, including by facilitating a federal approach; and

(j) any other related matters.

Photo of James McGrathJames McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Photo of Gavin MarshallGavin Marshall (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Photo of James McGrathJames McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

The government notes the ongoing workload of committees and committee secretariats and expresses its concern at additional references.

Question agreed to.