Computer Disposal
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: My question is directed to the Minister for Justice, representing the Minister for the Environment. Is the Minister aware that approximately one million computers end up in Australian landfill each year? Is the Minister aware that Australia is far behind the European Union and many American States, which have laws controlling or banning the disposal in landfill of old computer monitors, which contain toxic chemicals such as cadmium and lead, which can leach into the local water supply if disposed of in landfill? Will the Minister explain what action the Government is taking to address the proper management of e-waste, especially that of cathode ray tube monitors, which contain high levels of toxic materials and which pose a health risk to communities surrounding landfills?
The Hon. JOHN HATZISTERGOS: The answer to the first question is no. The answer to the second question is also no. I will refer the third question to the Minister and obtain an answer and advise the honourable member in due course.
