Inquiry into Packaging Stewardship and Waste Management

Sen Peter Whish-Wilson inquired about packaging stewardship and waste management, including extended producer responsibility and single-use item bans, with testimonies from Cameron Hutchison and Chloe Bird highlighting the need for increased regulation and sustainable design practices. The discussion involved the number of submissions to the packaging stewardship scheme that support a mandated extended producer responsibility scheme. Sen Whish-Wilson emphasized the apparent broad support across the industry for certainty around the scheme, as evidenced throughout the inquiries. Additionally, Sen Whish-Wilson inquired about the Commonwealth's use of import powers to regulate batteries, given the recent actions by New South Wales and Queensland governments. Chloe Bird stated that there are currently no plans to use import powers, but the department is working closely with New South Wales to ensure that their legislation is complementary to existing national arrangements, such as the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme. Furthermore, Chloe Bird mentioned that Queensland had undertaken work on batteries, examining various powers and opportunities at both state and federal levels to address battery-related issues. Victoria and New South Wales have also been working on state-specific legislation targeting problematic batteries. Although the Commonwealth consulted on expanding or replacing the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, which included discussions on batteries, it appears that the Commonwealth will not be taking additional action at this time, with states and territories taking the lead on addressing battery-related concerns. The conversation also touched on banning single-use items, with Sen Whish-Wilson noting that many states have implemented bans on certain single-use plastics, and inquiring about the Commonwealth's plans to use regulatory powers to ban problematic items, referencing the 2021 plastics plan. However, there was no indication that the department has provided advice to the minister on using regulatory powers to ban items, despite the plan mentioning the use of heads of power to do so. Cameron Hutchison noted that the Commonwealth is continuing to coordinate with states on identifying problematic single-use plastics and is working towards harmonization, with ministers agreeing to a roadmap in December 2024. The Commonwealth is also examining its ability to regulate specific items through packaging reform, focusing on problematic or unnecessary forms of packaging. Additionally, it was mentioned that New South Wales is considering taking action on design rules and principles if the Commonwealth does not take the lead. Sen Whish-Wilson expressed frustration with the pace of progress, and Cameron Hutchison acknowledged that the minister has support from state and territory colleagues to take on regulatory reform of packaging, suggesting that the Commonwealth may take action before the states do. Cameron Hutchison believes that progress is being made, with design guidance available and a recent consultation completed to inform a government decision, which will help maintain momentum and ensure a smooth transition between Commonwealth reform and current arrangements. Chloe Bird reiterated that there is a commitment from all environment ministers for the Commonwealth to lead on packaging reform, indicating a unified approach to addressing packaging stewardship and waste management. Following Sen Whish-Wilson's inquiry, Senator Cadell had a follow-up question, indicating continued interest in the topic of packaging stewardship and waste management.