One Nation Victoria leader Warren Pickering said illegal dumping had become a massive problem and the rules were no longer being enforced.
“In recent cases, a Wollert dumper was fined just $10,000 after leaving Whittlesea council with a $3 million clean-up bill, while one of Victoria’s worst dumpers was fined $60,000 in July 2026, with clean-up of the site expected to exceed $1 million,” he said.
“Current fines are too low to deter offenders.
“A typical EPA fine is about $2000.
“A business which might save up to $200,000 a year in tip fees with illegal dumping might — if they’re caught — pay a few tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
“Dumping is still profitable.
“One Nation will work to ensure illegal dumping no longer pays, introducing cost-recovery fines and full liability for clean-up.”
One Nation’s proposed fine structure would see individuals charged the full cost of the clean-up effort plus $5000 for the first offence, $10,000 for the second and $15,000 for the third.
Commercial dumpers would be fined the full cost plus $100,000 for the first offence, $200,000 for the second and $300,000 for the third.
Mr Pickering also promised that One Nation would strengthen enforcement and reporting, increase surveillance and expand free or low-cost disposal options for households.
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