Andrews Government introduces new laws targeting rogue waste operators

Illegal rubbish dumpers could face massive fines and 10 years behind bars under new laws. It comes as the state government dished out a $10 million loan to help clean up failed recycling company SKM’s waste stockpiles.

Rogue dumpers of hazardous materials will face 10 years in jail under new laws to be introduced in Victoria.

The state government will put the bill to the Victorian parliament today after millions of litres of waste chemicals were uncovered in northern suburbs’ warehouses and in rural properties earlier this year.

It comes as the government delivers a $10 million loan to the administrators in charge of failed recycling company SKM to help clear up its waste stockpiles.

Workplace Safety Minister Jill Hennessy said the new penalties for dangerous chemical stockpiles would deter dodgy operators in the future.

Victorian Workplace Safety Minister Jill Hennessy announced the new penalties. Picture: Mark Stewart

“The mishandling of dangerous goods poses a real threat to our community and those who dare do it are breaking the law,” she said.

“We are cracking down on rogue operators who are doing the wrong thing.”

Corporate bodies found in breach of the new law will also face fines of more than $6.4 million and individuals could be hit with long jail terms.

Ms Hennessy said three of 13 sites found with massive hazardous stockpiles had been cleaned up.

“6.5 million litres of dangerous chemicals have been cleaned up with significant works ongoing at these sites,” she said.

Ms Hennessy said the new penalties would not apply to the 13 sites which have already been identified.

“I am not in a position to say there are no more sites out there,” she said.

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio also announced this morning that KordaMentha, the receivers in charge of SKM, would receive a $10 million loan as the government tries to sort out the state’s recycling crisis.

Carly Whitington, project coordinator at the Marwood Property Group, standing in one of the warehouses that recycling company SKM used to lease. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

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It will be used to clear waste stockpiles and fund maintenance work needed to get its plants up and running.

SKM’s Laverton site is due to begin some processing again within five weeks after it shut down last month.

Further work is required to bring the Hallam, Geelong and Coolaroo sites up to scratch.

The government had earlier refused to provide a taxpayer-funded bailout for SKM, which went into administration with debts of $100 million.

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