2020-02-24
After campaigning on the issue for more than a decade, the Victorian Greens have welcomed the Victorian Labor Government’s decision to introduce a 10c refund on bottles and cans.
However, the Greens have said that it should be established as soon as possible rather than the 2023 date announced by the Government.
Victorian Greens spokesperson for environment, Ellen Sandell, said the announcement was a direct result of having Greens in Parliament. Over the past ten years the party has attempted to introduce legislation for a scheme on four separate occasions.
With Victoria in the midst of a waste crisis and tens of thousands of recyclables being dumped in landfill, the Government simply cannot afford to stick to the status quo for three more years.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for environment, Ellen Sandell MP:
"Victoria is already behind the eight ball when it comes to waste and recycling. If Dan Andrews waits another three years then our precious environment and waterways will continue to be polluted by discarded bottles and cans.
“The Greens already have a Bill to introduce a 10c refund on bottles and cans before Parliament right now. There’s literally no reason for the Government to delay action.”