On the first day of Plastic Free July, independent Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps and indendent MP Kate Chaney have launched a national plan to tackle plastic pollution and ‘make big polluters pay.’
In a joint policy paper, the national plan was outlined, calling on the federal government to implement the following reforms this year, noting that they can be delivered under existing parliamentary powers.
- Establish a mandatory, nationally harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, made under the existing Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, with binding targets for waste reduction, reuse, recycling and recycled content, and a national, producer-funded soft plastics scheme designed from the end market backwards.
- Phase out harmful industrial chemicals in plastics, through a national green/orange/red classification framework.
- Invest in the research, innovation and education needed to make the whole system work.
“The health of all Australians is at risk as micro and nanoplastics pollute the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and are now found throughout our bodies and organs,” said Dr Scamps.
“Relying on voluntary action by corporations has failed monumentally. Australia is one of the worst producers of plastic waste per person globally, we’ve missed all our plastics targets, and we recycle just 14% of our plastic waste. The government cannot afford to delay any longer, the risk to human health is too high.”
The proposals have been tested with environmental groups, health groups, industry, and the Government’s own consultation found 65 per cent of respondents backed a mandatory scheme. The reforms rest on the principle that the polluter pays.
Founder of Plastic Free July Rebecca Prince-Ruiz said “it’s time for a national, level‑playing‑field solution that puts the costs back on the producers who design and profit from this waste, and finally makes reduction, reuse and better design the default.”
The policy paper can be read here.