Chemicals management

National Strategy for the Management of Scheduled Waste

The National Strategy was endorsed by Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) in 1993 and provides for the safe management and disposal of scheduled wastes. In June 2001 the environment protection components of ANZECC, the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) and the Heritage Ministers' Meetings were amalgamated to form the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC). An important outcome of the National Strategy was the development of the three national plans for Scheduled Waste:

• Organochlorine Pesticides Management Plan - July 1999
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls Management Plan - revised 2003
• Hexachlorobenzene Waste Management Plan - November 1996
• National Strategy for the Management of Scheduled Waste - November 1992

Scheduled Wastes Management Network (SWMN)

The SWMN comprises members from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and the State and Territory environment protection agencies. The primary role of the SWMN is to implement, review and advise EPHC on the National Strategy for the Management of Scheduled Wastes. In doing this, the SWMN consulted with the National Advisory Body. The members of the SWMN provide an important link between Australian, State and Territory authorities which are responsible for implementing the management plans.

National Advisory Body (NAB)

The NAB comprised membership from a range of interested organisations including conservation organisations, local government and industry. The role of the NAB was to advise EPHC on:

• the implementation of management plans for each category of scheduled waste;
• community consultation/education and information programs;
• monitoring and review of the National Strategy; and
• any other relevant issue on which EPHC or the SWMN seeks advice.

The NAB, along with the SWMN was closely involved in the development of the three scheduled waste management plans, a process which featured extensive community consultation. The NAB has produced “On Schedule Eventually, A Case Study of Problem Solving Through Effective Community Consultation”. This book is a guide for those considering engaging in similar consultations, which on its experiences during that period. The NAB was dissolved in 2002.