New Penalties for Stockpiling Dangerous Goods in Victoria

Victoria’s Dangerous Goods Amendment (Penalty Reform) Bill 2019 has been introduced into Parliament – a Bill that would see ‘rogue operators’ who stockpile dangerous chemicals face up to 10 years in jail.

The Labor Government announced earlier this year that it would crack down on people who flout dangerous good laws following the discovery of millions of litres of waste chemicals stockpiled in that state’s northern suburbs warehouses (see related article).

Under the Bill, a new offence will be created that will see prison terms of up to ten years for those that recklessly engage in the manufacture, storage, transport, transfer, sale or use dangerous goods in a way that places, or may place, another person in danger of death.

Body corporates who are found guilty of this offence could face fines of more than $6.4 million.

Existing maximum penalties for endangering health and safety, property or the environment will also be increased from four to five years imprisonment, and from $165,000 to $297,000 in fines for individuals.

Maximum fines for body corporates for endangering health and safety will increase from $826,000 to $3.3 million.

Penalties will also be increased for failing to comply with the direction of a WorkSafe Inspector, and for several other offences of failing to comply with duties under the Dangerous Goods Act.

Minister for Workplace Safety Jill Hennessy said the mishandling of dangerous goods posed a real threat to the community.

“Those who manufacture, store, transport, transfer, sell or use dangerous goods have a duty to keep their workers, the community and the environment safe.”

“We’re cracking down on rogue operators who do the wrong thing and these new penalties will make them take their responsibilities seriously.”

Earlier this year, the United Firefighters Union called for tough penalties for businesses in the waste industry that flout existing laws and put firefighters at risk.

“The illegal stockpiling of toxic chemical waste will kill. It has likely already altered the life expectancy of firefighters who have to fight these fires as a result of the illegal activity of unscrupulous persons who seek to profit from the stash and burn business model,” a statement reads.

Access the Bill here.