Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .
Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 13 Hansard (26 November) . . Page.. 4763 ..
MS TUCKER (continuing):
Coles Bay, Tasmania, implemented by agreement within that community (including business), demonstrates that mandatory measures such as a ban can be effectively implemented, with community support. Labor members further note that a similar ban has been announced in Huskisson, NSW, subsequent to the conclusion of this inquiry.
In contrast, we consider that the Retailers Code of Practice, agreed to by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council in August 2003, is unlikely to yield sufficient environmental benefits. The voluntary nature of the code, given the ineffectiveness of previous voluntary measures, is problematic. Even assuming compliance with the Code, the measures contained in it are simply insufficient.
Labor members consider the evidence presented to the Committee supports appropriate and effective mandatory legislative measures to minimise plastic bag usage. We regret that the bills under consideration do not provide this.
I will also read from the Australian Greens' dissenting report:
92 per cent of submissions support Greens legislation
The Australian community overwhelmingly wants to see concrete action to stop the proliferation of plastic bags.According to research conducted for Planet Ark by Roy Morgan nearly 80 per cent of Australians support a 25 cent levy on plastic bags.
92 per cent (over 250) submissions to this committee supported a levy as a means of reducing bags. Only 4 per cent (11 submissions) were opposed.
6.9 billion bags per year
There are 6.9 billion bags used in Australia every year, this amounts to almost one per person per day. Most of these bags come from supermarkets where 3.6 billion bags are distributed each year. This is where the levy outlined in the Greens legislation is designed to have most impact.They repeat what I have already said about Ireland. Their submission states:
Irish experience
The Irish experience demonstrates that the plastic bags levy works. Ireland is using 90 per cent less plastic bags at supermarket checkouts.Australian experience-91% reduction from Bunnings' levy
New evidence in Australia shows how well the Irish experience can translate here.Since Bunnings hardware stores introduced a levy on plastic bags at the beginning of October 2003, there has been a 91% reduction in plastic bag use. This far exceeds the hopes for a 50% reduction by Christmas and Bunnings reports strong and positive customer support for its campaign to reduce plastic bags.
Ikea has reported an 85% reduction in plastic bag use after its stores introduced a 10 cent levy.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .