Labor’s refusal to commit to a state-based container deposit scheme was extremely disappointing and lacking in vision, the Tasmanian Greens said today.
Green Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said it’s not acceptable for Labor in government to continue to fob off the issue by saying that it’s waiting for a national approach.
“Despite the disappointing and dismissive attitude of the Acting Environment Minister David O’Byrne, the Greens will maintain the pressure for a state-based container deposit scheme,” Ms O’Connor said.
“The Greens understand that implementing a container deposit would cost money, but those cost projections don’t factor in the jobs created by such a scheme.”
“Young Tasmanians looking for pocket money, small business enterprises and Tasmania’s ready and able workforce of people living with disability could all benefit from CDS jobs.”
“And any costs associated with starting up a container deposit scheme need to be weighed against the massive environmental costs of not acting,”
“Tasmania has woeful litter and recycling rates, and while other Australian states are forging ahead with their own container deposit schemes, Tasmania is lagging behind and failing to live up to its image as the clean, green state.”
“Labor cannot continue to keep fobbing off the issue by saying going to a national approach, because at this rate a national scheme is never going to happen.
“The Tasmanian Liberals meanwhile could also play a constructive role here by pledging to support a State-based CDS in the Parliament this year.”
“The Greens look forward to giving the Liberals the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to an environmentally and economically sound policy response to Tasmania’s serious litter problem,” Ms O’Connor said.
