One of the newest members of the Legislative Councils will be on a steep learning curve in the coming weeks.

Dudley Butt has been appointed to take responsibility for waste operation in the Department of Local Government and Environment.

Mr Butt is already a member of the Departments of Agriculture and Trade and Industry.

His move to DoLGE is being welcomed by Minister, John Rimington, who says it'll be the first time he'll have someone to delegate responsibility for waste to .

He says it's an important subject which requires a stronger political focus.

Mr Rimington describes it as a highly specialist area, where difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions have to be taken in the national interest.

Mr Butt is relishing the prospect of a challenge - but acknowledges he has a lot to learn in the coming weeks.