When will the Commonwealth Government act on promised packaging reforms promised for 2025? And as the government delays on introducing new laws to make producers responsible for their products, it seems like everyone and their dog now wants this to happen.

As we have reported, the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments are still exploring the options and a possible intergovernmental agreement. They are expected to report back to an Environment Ministers meeting in September.

At a hearing in Sydney (26 June), a Senate Committee heard evidence on a proposed Australian Greens Bill for an EPR on Packaging. The Boomerang Alliance presented our views with everyone from APCO, ACOR, WMRR, WWF, AMCS and Plastic Free July chiming in to support an EPR scheme. AMCS released a poll that revealed an average of 63% of the public supported these new laws. The poll included ALP, Coalition, Greens and ONP voters.

The Senate Committee examining the Greens Bill will report back in August.

Timed for the start of Plastic Free July (and we hope you have made your pledge) MPs Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney have released a paper calling for action on packaging.Their paper promotes reforms based on producer responsibility and, importantly, highlights the problem of harmful chemicals in packaging. A copy of their paper is on the BA website (Link to latest news piece)

A new film - A Plastic Country by Kal Glanznig- was released in 1 July. It is an interesting perspective on plastic packaging and the harmful chemicals used in packaging production. If you would like to see the film please head to the Plastic Country for more information.