Greens Welcome Tripartisan Approach
The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the co-operative tripartisanship demonstrated in the House of Assembly on the issue of a state-based container deposit scheme.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said that the Parliament today voted to approve an amended Greens motion which means:
(a) the Environment Minister will take in-principle support for a national scheme to the upcoming Ministerial Council and;
(b) a cost benefit study into a state based scheme will be undertaken if a national container deposit scheme does not eventuate in a timely manner.
“This was a positive step toward the introduction of a container deposit scheme here in Tasmania, and a great example of constructive, co-operative politics in action,” Ms O’Connor said.
“This gives the Environment Minister Brian Wightman a strong position to take to the upcoming Ministerial Council in August, where the issue of a national container deposit scheme will be discussed.”
“If a national scheme fails to materialise, then we have the basis for a way forward on introducing the state based container deposit scheme that Tasmania so desperately needs to help end our terrible litter problem.”
“The Greens want to thank our Labor and Liberal colleagues for their constructive contributions today and for being prepared to leave aside negative politics to get things done for Tasmania.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson Wednesday, 16 May 2012
