When it comes to plastic pollution, seabirds are the canaries in the coalmine. But are the two major parties at this election really taking notice?

Jeff Angel speaking to Melinda James from ABC Breakfast about NSW plastic bag ban.

Zero Waste NZ say it well in 2.20mins. We are seeing the same industry push in Australia. For more information, visit Zero Waste Network website.

The next State to introduce a single use plastics phase out is Victoria, scheduled for February 2023.

National plastic reduction, recycling, and reuse targets for 2025 will not be met unless the next Commonwealth Government acts to ensure their delivery.

The release of the Northern Territory Circular Economy Strategy is a welcome step up, to grow recycling and curb plastic pollution.

The Territory’s management of waste and recycling has been pretty abysmal to date and the new Strategy should set it along the path to significant improvement, although Boomerang Alliance would like the government to move faster on the single use plastic bans.

Given other states are successfully transitioning to avoidance and non-plastic alternatives on quicker timeframes and business is adjusting well, the NT should set a date of mid-2023 for the ban on plastic - heavyweight bags, straws, cutlery, EPS food containers, plates and bowls to take effect. The ban on release of helium balloons is a great move putting the Territory near the top of such state actions.

There’s a lot of work on the new regulatory regime needed as circular economy principles and processes will require effective implementation. Boomerang Alliance is pleased that the Strategy also commits to targets for recycled content in buildings and civil construction.

The move by Woolworths to remove its 15c heavier weight bags from its WA stores is the welcome outcome of Western Australia’s advanced Plastic Plan.

South Australians go to the polls on 19 March. The Boomerang Alliance have called on all political parties to support an expansion of the container deposit scheme to include wine and spirit bottles, to ban further single use plastics and promote reusable cups and containers.

Download Boomerang Alliance Policy Recommendations: South Australia Election March 2022

The 174 nations including Australia get a big tick for agreeing to develop a global plastic pollution treaty. The resolution coming out of negotiations in Nairobi has now established the framework of a binding treaty, that will address the full lifecycle of plastic including production and design as well as waste and pollution. This is a set-back for the fossil fuel sector who wanted to limit agreements to waste and litter issues, but who will no doubt continue their lobbying.

Environment groups are urging that the forthcoming debate on Tasmania’s drink container refund law progress rapidly through the State Parliament and not suffer further delays.