SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
1032. Hon TJORN SIBMA to the minister representing the
Minister for Environment:
I again refer to categories of
single-use plastic listed under stage 1 of the fast-tracked Plan for Plastics.
(1) Has the
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation been made aware of any
potential difficulties in meeting the minister's stage 1 deadline for
phasing out single-use plastics?
(2) If yes to (1), which category will be difficult to
phase out by the end of this calendar year and what contingency plans
are being considered?
(3) Has DWER
advised the minister or her office in respect of the matters pertaining to (1) and
(2) above?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The Department of Water and Environmental
Regulation received submissions from stakeholders on the implementation
of stage 1 of the Plan for Plastics. Stakeholder feedback broadly supported the
bans. Industry, particularly retailers and suppliers, has sought consideration
of the supply chain for single-use plastic cups and bowls, thick plastic bags
and plastic-lined plates. The department is progressing options where evidence
of supply chain issues is provided.
(3) Yes.