With the Commonwealth election now decided and the Labor Party with a big majority, the new Government has a golden opportunity to solve our packaging problems. Prior to the election, the Government had run a packaging reform consultation. This confirmed significant support for an Extended producer responsibility scheme for packaging. According to Government figures 80% of respondents support regulations on packaging with 65% supporting an EPR with mandatory requirements. Only 4% supported business-as-usual.

The Boomerang Alliance is calling for the Government to introduce a product stewardship scheme and for Parliament to support this before the end of 2025. We want:

• A mandatory product Stewardship Scheme for Packaging in place for 2026. That scheme must set targets and require producers to be responsible for their products throughout their lifecycle
• Fast- track an industry funded national collection scheme for soft plastics
• Support continued phase outs of problem single use packaging through State and Territory Governments. This should include raising container refunds to 20 cents and the introduction of reusable cups and containers in public places such as sports stadiums and major events.