Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Under amendment (8) the minister will now be required to consult with each state and territory, which is an essential element which I certainly support. It is essential to ensure that Commonwealth actions are coordinated and that a strategic approach is brought to waste and recycling. Amendment (8) puts a clear requirement on the minister: they must consult with each state and territory and the relevant centre of excellence.

Evidence received by the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee from various proponents stressed that consultation must be conducted prior to the development of the ministerial priority list. This amendments clearly addresses that. I had originally proposed to move amendments that would establish a product stewardship advisory committee similar to what had previously existed. The committee has been superseded by the government's proposed centre of excellence, which would assume many of the same roles that I had proposed and more. I think it would possibly have been better for continuity and certainty if this body had been established in statute and the goings-on scrutinised by the parliament. To that end, I seek some clarification from the assistant minister or the Minister for the Environment in relation to the centre of excellence. Is it possible to confirm that the proposed centre for excellence will in fact operate independently? I understand it has seed funding for government. Will regular monitoring by the Auditor-General or the minister occur to ensure that it is effective in its duties in this very important area?

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