1990 NSW Cabinet Papers - List of Decisions NRS21571 1 [3] - Flipbook - Page 224
.4.
Agenda
Item no.
Policy and regulatory responsibilities to sit
together in the EPA, in recognition of the
opportunities that will remain for the Government
and the Minister to ultimately set policy on key
issues such as pollution control standards and the
provisions for public input through the Community
Forum.
Agreement that EPA role in planning is appropriate,
bearing in mind the need to avoid problems
associated with sequential planning and licensing
arrangements.
•
EPA to secure independent advice on litigation
matters by retaining senior counsel, who will be
designated as Environmental Counsel.
Any prosecution on indictment in the Supreme Court
(as opposed to prosecution before the Land and
Environment Court) would be undertaken by the EPA
referring the matter to the Director of Public
Prosecutions (DPP) for carriage, with the decision
to do this being taken by the EPA Board on advice
from Counsel.
DPP and Attorney General to he involved in
drafting a formal prosecutions policy for EPA,
including consideration of guidelines on "appeal
against leniency" of decisions in the Local Court
on environmental matters.
Consultation with the Premier/Treasurer in relation
to budget matters and staff numbers.
Consultation with relevant administrations and
Ministers in the course of working up detailed
proposals.
In particular, consultation with the Minister for
Police and Emergency Services, in relation to
possible use of Fire Brigades for inspection of
storage of chemicals, and with the Minister for
Industrial Relations, in relation to ensuring that
the views of Workcover are taken into account
concerning storage and handling of chemicals.
The Minister for the Environment is to take the
necessary action to give effect to Cabinet's decision.
