Page 700 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 1990
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Yet indiscriminate dumpers do not choose only our tips to dispose of their clinical waste. The recent "Clean up Canberra" day resulted in a significant amount of clinical waste, such as disposable needles, being collected from our parks and waterways. The dangers that these wastes present to our community are serious and cannot be ignored.
An inquisitive, innocent child could find a needle left in a playground by an inconsiderate drug user. If that child unwittingly pierces skin with the needle there is no way of knowing to what he or she may be exposed. That is exactly what happened to my next door neighbour's child on "Clean up Canberra" day. The family went through some very concerning days as a result of the child being exposed after pricking skin with a needle. The AIDS virus springs to mind, but it could also be a number of diseases, such as the highly infectious hepatitis B. The danger is very real. It must be lessened, and the source must be eradicated. Every one of us is at risk. If clinical waste is left at a tip either deliberately or innocently, there is the possibility and opportunity for one of us to be exposed.
Yet it is not only the danger to the human community which must be considered. If waste is deposited in the waterways livestock could be in danger of contamination or infection. Our ecological system could also be adversely affected. It is the danger that clinical waste represents that this legislation will effectively cease.
The Clinical Waste Bill covers all institutions and premises in the ACT generating, transporting, storing or disposing of clinical wastes. It will provide more adequate protection for the workers involved in clinical waste disposal, as well as the Canberra community. Contrary to some reports circulating in the community, the Bill will be properly enforced. To assist the health community in complying with the legislation, a clinical waste manual will be introduced, detailing procedures for the management of clinical waste.
As I mentioned at the beginning of my speech, in the last four years successive Federal and ACT governments have been working towards the implementation of clinical waste legislation, so it was not something that happened in a few months last year. Today we have the opportunity to implement practical and effective legislation to remedy this serious problem. I believe the ACT needs such legislation if we are to protect the health of our workers, our community and our environment.
MR STEFANIAK (11.02): I preface my remarks by two things. The Standing Committee on the Scrutiny of Bills and Subordinate Legislation has proposed a number of amendments and suggestions, which I understand have been taken up in relation to this Bill. Secondly, I reiterate the remarks that Mrs Nolan made in relation to the comments made by Mrs Grassby about this being the previous Government's Bill.
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