Greens table container deposit scheme petition

GREENS TABLE CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME PETITION
Ministerial Meeting to Discuss CDL Again Tomorrow

Tim Morris MP
Greens Member for Lyons
Thursday, 23 August 2012

The Tasmanian Greens today tabled an e-petition in the House of Assembly supporting the introduction of a state-based container deposit scheme, ahead of tomorrow’s national meeting of Environment Ministers.

Greens Member for Lyons Tim Morris MP, who sponsored the petition, said it contained 217 signatures from Tasmanians unhappy about the lack of action at the state level.

“Most Tasmanians support the introduction of a state based container scheme to reduce the shocking amount of container waste ending up in our environment as litter or as waste landfill,” Mr Morris said.

“In June the Greens secured tripartite support for an amended motion that, should the National Ministers fail to commit to a timely introduction of a national container deposit scheme, Tasmania would undertake a cost benefit analysis of a state based scheme.”

“Up until then the Minister had shown an unfortunate lack of interest in pursuing a Tasmanian scheme, choosing to instead wait for action at the national level.”

“We will be watching with interest tomorrow’s meeting and, should there be no outcome, we will be expecting Tasmania to move forward with feasibility work for a state scheme as a matter of high priority.”

“The container industry has spent vast amounts of money this week by placing advertisements in daily papers that are clearly misleading, by failing to acknowledge that all container deposits are redeemable and that the actual cost to the consumer is negligible.”

“The purpose of these advertisements to remind Ministers that the industry has deep pockets and is intended to pressure environment ministers against bring in such a scheme.”

“A scheme would cost money to establish but such an investment would also create a whole new industry, with hundreds of new jobs and lead to a dramatic reduction in litter in Tasmania.”

The petition reads:

Tasmanian residents draw to the attention of the House the need for proper legislation to provide incentive to recycle our waste. This will help reduce landfill and litter rates, whilst creating employment and business opportunities.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to introduce container deposit legislation similar to that of South Australia and the Northern Territory, which provides a 10 cent redemption on most drink containers.

URL: http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/EPetitions/House/ClosedEPetition.aspx?PetNum=25&lIndex=-1
Tim Morris MP Greens Member for Lyons