2024-12-11
Yesterday was the last meeting of federal and state environment ministers before the federal election and there was very high expectation from the waste and recycling industry and environmental groups that ministers would be able to progress an extended producer responsibility scheme for plastic packaging waste. The states signed off on a binding federal scheme last year, and yet the Albanese government has failed to deliver on it, with the Environment Minister instead choosing her signature move of kicking the can down the road.
Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for waste and recycling, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“The Albanese government has been a complete disappointment on waste and recycling reform.
“Plastic waste is causing significant environmental and human health issues, and we’ve known for decades the only way to solve these issues is to regulate the plastic packaging producers.
“It is absurd that our waste reduction targets are not legally binding, given what we know about the dangers of plastic pollution – yet the Albanese government has failed to take this critical step despite repeatedly claiming it will.
“How hard is it to actually hold plastic producers to account for the pollution and mess they make? Clearly it’s too bloody hard for this government that is way too close to big business.
“To end the plastic waste crisis, we need to change the system that creates it. Yet the Environment Minister has instead chosen her signature move of kicking the can down the road, despite claiming on the international stage that Australia is committed to change.
“It’s another disappointment on top of another disappointment on the environment, and another clear example of why people who want action on the environment should vote for change.”