Page 5247 - Week 12 - Thursday, 28 October 2010
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environmental damage associated with plastic bag use, and the contribution to litter, and the loss of amenity in our public spaces.
This ban is not an action that has appeared overnight or without significant consultation. The 2009-2010 budget allocated $85,000 to consult with the community about the best approach the government should take to reduce the use of plastic bags in the ACT. This comprehensive consultation included a random telephone survey across the ACT and a survey of shoppers at nine shopping locations, including markets and shopping centres. Further, an online forum allowed all Canberrans to have their say about plastic bags. Consultations with other stakeholders included retailers and key interest groups.
The consultations explored support for measures to reduce the use of plastic bags, including voluntary and mandatory levies as well as a ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags. This consultation showed strong community support for action to reduce plastic bag pollution. Some 58 per cent of people contacted through the telephone survey thought that there should be some form of restrictive action on plastic bags such as a ban or levy. Interviews carried out in shopping locations showed even stronger support, with 82 per cent in favour of the ACT government taking restrictive action.
The government believes that Canberrans are ready for, and will be supportive of, this initiative. The results of the community consultation showed that many Canberrans have already implemented their own measures to reduce plastic bag use. Eighty-seven per cent of respondents who participated in the telephone survey said self-supplied calico or green bags were their primary means for carrying groceries home and 72 per cent said they use self-supplied bags “always” or “mostly”.
Mr Speaker, the ban will be similar to that successfully adopted in South Australia where single-use, lightweight polyethylene bags of less than 35 microns will not be able to be given away or sold by retailers for carrying goods. Retailers will be able to charge for alternative bags that they supply.
I will bring forward a government amendment to this bill around the commencement provisions. The amendment will specify that the act shall commence on 1 July 2011 with a four-month transition period, with a complete ban starting on 1 November 2011. This will give retailers clarity on timing and certainty to allow them to gear up for the change and to plan for the transition.
All retailers, including supermarkets and small and medium shops, will be prohibited from supplying the banned plastic shopping bags. The prohibition will be enforced by the Office of Regulatory Services, who will be able to impose penalties. An offence carries a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units, equivalent to $110 for an individual and $550 for a corporation. The offence is a strict liability offence.
Some bags will not be banned. These include barrier bags, the type dispensed from a roll to hold items such as loose fruit and vegetables; heavier-style retail bags, or boutique bags—the type usually used by clothing and department stores; bags designed for multiple use such as “green” bags; bin liners for purchase; and biodegradable bags that meet the Australian standard for biodegradability and, of
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