Wednesday, 1 May 2024

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region

David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:59): (819) My question is for the Minister for Environment. Bonded asbestos has been detected at Minihans Reserve and more recently in Clydevale Avenue reserve in Casey. The EPA have stated that the source remains under investigation but they believe it is not due to contamination in mulch and more likely due to illegal dumping. While it is a relief to hear this preliminary assessment from the EPA, I hold some residual concerns when considering how they performed during the West Gate Tunnel contaminated soil issue and the critique made by the previous Ombudsman of their approach toward government pressure.

In New South Wales and Queensland auditors are revealing how companies are cutting corners when performing site testing for public projects, and I am beginning to think that we need a similar investigation here in Victoria. Minister, will the government conduct a review of the site testing which was performed at the identified Casey sites when they were first established and audit the testing process that is being conducted by the EPA and their appointed testing companies on public sites?

Sitting suspended 1:00 pm until 2:02 pm.