Page 517 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 23 March 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
working with the taskforce and partners across government, like Events ACT and Venues Canberra to identify upcoming events and consult with their organisers about the feasibility of going single-use-plastic free. We recognise that this will be more of a transition for some events than others, depending on the kinds of activities and services that they offer.
And I want to thank and acknowledge some of the event organisers who have jumped at this opportunity, like Groovin the Moo music festival and our local sporting clubs the Canberra Raiders and the Brumbies. Your organisations are setting a great example by making an easy default option for Canberrans to use sustainable, and that deserves to be recognised as part of what will make these events even better in 2022.
DR PATERSON: Minister, what are the next steps in the ACT’s progressive phasing out of single-use plastics across Canberra?
MR STEEL: Thank you, Dr Paterson, for the question. Over the past 12 months we have successfully phased out single-use plastic cutlery, expanded polystyrene food containers and single-use plastic stirrers. And we are now continuing our work to cut waste and phase out more harmful single-use plastics from our waste stream.
We are currently consulting with industry and business about phasing out a second tranche of products from July this year, and that will include single-use plastic straws, with exemptions for those who need them; single-use plastic fruit and vegetable barrier bags; cotton buds with plastic sticks—the not-so-degradable plastic products.
Businesses and community organisations and individuals were invited to provide feedback on these proposed items between October last year and January this year. We have had a good constructive engagement from a range of sectors, and this will feed into the selection of a final list of items to be banned. I look forward to releasing the outcome of this consultation soon and I commit to working with businesses, disability groups and the broader community as we continue to cut waste in a realistic and inclusive way so that all of us can do our bit towards a cleaner and more sustainable Canberra.
Mr Barr: Further questions can be placed on the notice paper.
Leave of absence
Motion (by Ms Clay) agreed to:
That leave of absence be granted to Mr Rattenbury, Ms Vassarotti and Mr Braddock for today for health reasons.
Government schools and workplaces—defibrillators
MS CASTLEY (Yerrabi) (2.47): I move:
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video