Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989.

The object of this Act is to regulate the export, import and transit of hazardous waste to ensure that exported, imported or transited waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner so that human beings and the environment, both within and outside Australia, are protected from the harmful effects of the waste. In defining "hazardous waste" (sect. 4) reference is made to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. The Minister must not grant a special permit if the Minister is satisfied that the grant could result in hazardous waste being brought into Antarctica (sect. 13F) or grant a transit permit if the Minister is satisfied that carrying out the transit proposals could result in hazardous waste being brought into Antarctica (sect. 17). If a person imports hazardous waste in contravention of subsection 39(1), the Minister may, in writing, order the person to deal with the waste in a specified way (sect. 34). A person must not import hazardous waste unless: (a) the person is the holder of an import permit authorizing the person to import the waste; or (b) the person is the holder of a transit permit authorizing the person to import the waste; or (c) the import is authorized by an order under section 38; or (d) the import has been ordered under section 35 (sect. 39).