Boomerang Alliance Newsletter - June 2018
Bolstered by the imminent QLD and WA plastic bag bans and Coles and Woolworths voluntary phase-out, the pressure is on for NSW to implement legislation.
Winter 2018 is proving to be a significant period for lightweight plastic bag legislation. Along with voluntary phase-outs by Coles and Woolworths, bans in QLD and WA will go into effect on July 1. Making the distribution of lightweight plastic bags illegal everywhere throughout Australia - except for NSW.
State Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been consistent in her refusal to broach talks or take any positive step towards legislation.
Three recent letters of significance from Boomerang Alliance, the National Retailers Association, the Australian Packaging Covenant and major retailers Harris Farm Markets and Aldi appealing for an implementation was met with apathetic response from Premier Berejiklian’s administration.
So now our focus is turning towards the March 2019 Election.
Boomerang Alliance is committed to using our platform and reputation to place lightweight plastic bag legislation on the election platform by engaging in dialogue with all parties and independents towards the run-up.
Shortly after the voluntary Coles and Woolworths voluntary phase-outs come into effect (Woolworths June 20, Coles July 1) Boomerang Alliance will be analysing the numbers and statistics as evidence voluntary action alone is not sufficient to solve the plastic bag pollution problem. Legislation is key.
Along with engaging and utilising our sway with the decision makers, we will also be circulating a new paper/hard copy plastic bag ban petition. Started by a Year 10 student at Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College in Sydney, the petition is collecting 10,000 signatures to deliver to the student’s local MP (who is also the Premier) to spark another debate in Parliament.
If you would like to help gather the last 2000 names before the end of June please email [email protected]