Teal MPs release policy paper for plastic packaging overhaul, back producer-pays scheme
Two leading Teal MPs have launched a new bid to force plastic manufacturers to pay for the pollution they create, warning that Australia faces a snowballing health and environmental crisis.
Sophie Scamps and Kate Chaney have published a joint policy paper calling for reform to counter the “failure” of Australia’s packaging system, which is based on the current common regulatory framework.
This involves the voluntary participation of businesses in the Australian Packaging Compact program, while states and territories take responsibility for enforcing their own rules to implement the National Environmental Protection Act.
Last year, the Australian Packaging Agreement Organization, the industry group that runs the voluntary programme, admitted it was falling short of its target of recycling 70 per cent of plastic packaging by 2025.
However, Dr Scamps and Ms Chaney’s reforms aim to take the burden off consumers to manage their waste, for example through recycling, and instead put the burden on producers.
They recommend creating a “nationally aligned” Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, phasing out harmful industrial chemicals in plastics, and increasing funding for research and innovation in the sector.
The EPR plan will be created under the existing Waste Reduction Act and will set binding targets for waste reduction, reuse and recycled content, as well as the national producer-funded soft plastics scheme.
This will replace the voluntary co-regulated model and be implemented by an existing or new national regulator.
Both Dr Scamps and Ms Chaney called on the government to implement changes to packaging regulation by the end of the year.
Dr. previously worked as a clinician in general practice and emergency departments. Scamps said he was “increasingly concerned about the impact of plastic on the health of Australians”.
“Especially with growing evidence linking microplastics to the rapid rise of cancers among young people,” he said.
“A cautious approach means acting on the evidence we have, not waiting until it is too late.”
“The health of all Australians is at risk as micro and nanoplastics contaminate the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and are now found in our bodies and organs.” He warned that relying on voluntary action by companies had “failed spectacularly”.
Ms Chaney insisted the government did not need new powers to enact the changes.
“For too long, households have had to foot the bill for a mess they didn’t make — $70 to $95 a year in rates and taxes just to manage packaging waste,” he said.
“A polluter-pays plan would cost the average household 25 cents a week and would finally put liability where it belongs.”
A bill introduced by the Greens to create an EPR scheme for packaging was introduced to the Senate in May and is being considered by the Environment and Communications Legislation committee.
The committee will present its report on August 6.
In 2022, the government has committed to reforming the packaging sector, but negotiations with states and territories to develop a national EPR plan are ongoing.
