Page 645 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 30 March 2021
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
This is an action we need to take, not only to directly reduce single-use plastics from circulating in our waste streams but also to change the way we as a community think about the role of businesses and individuals in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable city. Overwhelming feedback from Canberrans shows support for clear regulatory action banning certain identified single-use plastics. There is agreement from all sides that this is a sensible and necessary means, creating cultural change and addressing the burden of a growing waste problem.
It is clear that the community’s expectation that government take the lead in reducing single-use plastics is not limited to the ACT. Many jurisdictions around Australia and New Zealand are also moving towards phasing out single-use plastics, in line with their own communities. Within Australia, South Australia has already passed legislation to this effect. This shows that now is the right time to take this step towards implementing a ban on the first tranche of single-use plastics in the ACT, as similar discussions are taking place across the rest of Australia and internationally, sending a clear message that our reckless reliance on single-use plastic does not have a place in our future.
Feedback from Canberra businesses shows an openness and willingness to embrace the phase-out of single-use plastics—stirrers, cutlery, polystyrene foam takeaway containers and cups—with many having already implemented their own measures to reduce plastic waste. Based on this, I believe we can expect a high level of compliance, following implementation of the first tranche from 1 July 2021. We know we have a responsibility to ensure that those compliant businesses doing the right thing are not disadvantaged by businesses that are slow or unwilling to adopt the changes. That is why a proven combination of education and enforcement will support the bill.
In the lead-up to and following the first tranche, and future tranches of items, a focus on education and awareness will be used to assist businesses and suppliers in understanding their obligations under the legislation—how to move beyond the need for single-use items or adapt to using more sustainable alternatives. Comprehensive support for businesses is available on the ACT government website, with plain English information on the legislation surrounding things like banned items, alternatives and the disposal options. This will be shortly followed by a telephone advisory service that businesses can call to ask questions, organised face-to-face visits at a major shopping centre, and a supply guide for alternative products, if these are required.
This approach will allow for a smooth transition to the phasing out of these unwanted products. It will also assist the community in adjusting to the changes, as we expect businesses to be the first point of contact for most people regarding the ban.
For businesses that continue to distribute banned single-use plastic, the enforcement framework in the bill for noncompliance, including the potential for prosecution in extreme cases, will ensure compliance. This approach was given a high level of support via the Plastic Reduction Task Force, as it is essential to set an example and to
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video