Timeline for Decision on Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme

Sen Peter Whish-Wilson asked about the timeline for a decision on an extended producer responsibility scheme, given the upcoming review of the raw rack and the preparation of design rules or guidelines, packaging reform, and a potential new Circular Economy Act. The senator noted that the submission process on the raw act and the timeline takes it through to mid next year, and questioned whether it was likely that a decision would be made in the months ahead. Cameron Hutchison, Branch Head of the Waste & Resource Recovery Policy Branch, stated that the timing of government decisions was not for him to preempt, but that they were working to bring the analysis and advice together. The discussion highlighted the complexity of the issue and the need for careful consideration, with Sen Peter Whish-Wilson concluding the discussion by thanking the witnesses for their time and indicating that more detailed questions would be put on notice.