Page 1740 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 15 May 2019
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“(e) Canberrans are amongst the most conscientious consumers when it comes to being environmentally responsible; and
(f) there exist commercial operators who are able to provide cafes, restaurants and coffee vendors a reusable cup that can be exchanged at multiple coffee retailers;”.
(2) Omit paragraph (2), substitute:
“(a) supports a consumer’s and a business’s choice to engage in the use of reusable beverage containers; and
(b) encourages local businesses to assess the viability in engaging in a reusable beverage container scheme.”
I have nothing more to add, other than what I have already said. I commend the amendments to the Assembly.
MR STEEL (Murrumbidgee—Minister for City Services, Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Roads) (4.27): I welcome the opportunity to speak today in response to Ms Orr’s motion regarding disposable coffee cups. Australia is in the midst of a waste crisis, with the onset of China’s national sword policy, which has severely disrupted the norms of the recycling industry across the whole country. We are seeing local governments across the country forced to dispose of recycled material straight into landfill. This is a terrible outcome for our environment.
I wrote to the national environment minister, Melissa Price, about the need for a national approach to waste reduction as a matter of urgency. I am not sure where in the world a response to that letter is at the moment but I look forward to receiving one in the near future, whichever government may be in power—
Mrs Jones: She could be on the campaign trail.
MR STEEL: I wrote to her earlier in the year; so I think she has had plenty of time to respond to me and to address this issue, which is of national importance. Whilst we need a national approach, in the meantime we need to continue to take a responsible approach here in the ACT to manage our environment, to reduce waste and to divert more waste from landfill.
The ACT’s current waste management strategy has the goal of leading innovation to achieve full resource recovery in a carbon neutral waste sector. Our strategy is underpinned by a globally accepted waste hierarchy and principles. Our first and most critical step in accordance with the waste hierarchy is always to avoid waste wherever possible. That is reflected in the national waste policy, which has been agreed to by all states and territories—Liberal, Labor or of any other political colour.
Members will be aware that the government is already educating our community on how to avoid and reduce waste and how to better re-use, recover and recycle the waste that we produce. We are managing and leveraging existing organics in our landfill through methane gas capture. The new opt-in green bin service opens opportunities to
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