The Boomerang Alliance of 55 environment NGOs welcomes the appointment of Tanya Plibersek, as Australia’s Environment Minister and urges quick action on implementing key recycling and plastic pollution policies.
The Commonwealth had Plastic and Packaging Plans but targets are clearly going to be missed. For example, there is a goal of phasing out polystyrene packaging (by July 2022), PVC labels and non-certified compostable packaging (December 2022) – but no concrete plans are progressing. Also the 2025 National Packaging Targets are to be reviewed this year – an urgent task given they are currently on the path to failure.
The Alliance proposed a number of other important initiatives for the circular economy including:
- National standards for reusable, compostable and recyclable packaging to combat greenwash
- Mandating the packaging targets
- Expand e-waste stewardship and container refund schemes
- Oppose waste incineration and prevent their cannabalisation of recyclable material in long term contracts.’’
We look forward to working with Minister Plibersek and other key Ministers in coming months.
