I move amendment No. 34:
In page 17, subsection (2), line 3, after "corporate." to insert "This section shall also apply to pubic authorities and their personnel.".
This is one of the most fundamental changes we are proposing to the Bill. I am surprised that we have to table amendments such as this. The amendment is being proposed on the basis of equal treatment for everyone who generates waste. We believe no one generator of waste should be more favourably treated than another.
The Minister may point out that there is a later section in the Bill which deals with local authorities. However, I believe they should be included in this section which deals with offences that might occur under the provisions of the Bill. The Minister, speaking both within and outside the House, has emphasised that the public sector should give the lead in relation to all aspects of this Bill. Local authorities and Departments are probably some of the largest generators of waste paper. Most Members in this House receive enough paper in a week to fill the rooms they occupy. The provisions of this section should pertain to Departments and local authorities.
State and semi-State companies, which are also bodies corporate in terms of my definition, are often in direct competition with private companies and should not have an advantage in respect of the Bill. There should be no excuses, no exceptions; everyone should be treated equally. The imposition of provisions, in this section, on everyone would increase standards and set a good example. I ask the Minister to take this amendment on board.