Media Statements - Minister releases new DEP enforcement and prosecution guidelines

10/1/01

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes has released revised enforcement and prosecution guidelines for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Mrs Edwardes said the DEP revised the guidelines following the introduction of the tiered offences and penalties regime.

“The revision has made DEP enforcement and prosecution guidelines consistent with similar guidelines across government, while maintaining the underlying principles that characterise the department’s approach to enforcement and prosecution,” she said.

“The modified penalties for tier two offences and infringement notices for tier three offences are innovative measures helping ensure that environmental damage is avoided and an offence is dealt with promptly and effectively.

“The DEP remains committed to using prosecution as a response of last resort. Far greater effectiveness is achieved through education programs and industry
self-monitoring, both of which are preventative strategies, aimed at addressing potential issues before they arise.”

Mrs Edwardes said the DEP would review the effectiveness of the policy five years after its introduction.

This would allow the department to adjust the enforcement policy in response to changing conditions and experience gained in implementation.

Copies of the revised enforcement and prosecution guidelines are available from the DEP website at http://www.environ.wa.gov.au /dep or call 9222 7000.

Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777