Senator WHISH-WILSON (Tasmania) (14:21): My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Senator Birmingham. Minister, in February last year China announced its intention to ban the import of low-grade recycled material. China then gave notice in WTO in July, and again in November, with the details of this ban, which came into effect on 1 January this year. Australia has exported to China annually around 60,000 tonnes of papers and plastics through— Honourable senators interjecting— Senator WHISH-WILSON: I can't hear a bloody word I'm saying! The PRESIDENT: Senator Whish-Wilson, will you please cease. Order on my left and on my right! It is very difficult to hear the question. Senator Farrell interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Farrell, I don't need comments on the way. If I need help, I'll ask for it. Senator Whish-Wilson, please continue. Senator WHISH-WILSON: Australia has exported to China annually around 60,000 tonnes of papers and plastics collected through household recycling bins, but now this material is piling up around Australia. Big recyclers like Visy are refusing to take waste. Local government organisations are officially calling it a crisis. All industry stakeholders are calling for federal intervention. Given that China lodged notice with the WTO well in advance, what steps did the federal government take to pass on this information to state and local governments? What actions did you take to prepare for the recycling crisis that is now happening?