The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Environment Minister Brian Wightman to develop a strategy to introduce a state-based container deposit scheme, and to provide for the strategy in the 2012-13 State Budget.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP called on Minister Wightman to end his excuses for delaying action on container deposit legislation and start to develop a clear timetable for action.
“The 2012-13 State Budget is still in development, and now is the time for the Minister to take the initiative by providing for a strategy to deliver a container deposit scheme, along with a timetable detailing the development and implementation stages,” Ms O’Connor said.
“Mr Wightman’s argument that the issue of container deposit legislation should be left to the national arena no longer holds any credibility and simply looks more and more like procrastination.”
“Other states and territories have already accepted that action at the national level is bogged, with the Northern Territory implementing its own scheme in February and similar legislation now before the Victorian Parliament. South Australia has successfully operated a container deposit scheme for many years.”
“The Greens are urging Tasmania’s Environment Minister to follow the lead of his mainland counterparts, and begin formal discussions with local government and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for a state-based container deposit scheme.”
“A container deposit scheme would be a simple and effective measure to reduce the quantity of disposable containers in our waterways, recreational areas and roadsides.”
“Tasmanians are unfortunately some of the nation’s worst litterbugs, and we must do more to ensure that our clean and green reputation reflects the reality,” Ms O’Connor said.
Notice of Motion tabled today by Cassy O’Connor MP:
That this House:
1. Notes the recent vote in support by the Legislative Council for the introduction of a state-based Container Deposit scheme which was passed by eight votes in support against six on Tuesday the 8th of November this year;
2. Rejects the argument that the issue of Container Deposit should be left to the national arena, noting that this excuse has been used by numerous State Environment Ministers to justify non-action;
3. Recognises that it was due to promised action at the national level not occurring that the Northern Territory decided to implement its own state-based scheme which was legislated in February this year, and that currently there is state-based legislation before the Victorian Parliament;
4. Urges the Environment Minister to engage in formal discussions with local government, and other stakeholders, to develop a strategy for the introduction of a state-based Container Deposit scheme;
5. Further that the Strategy is to be provided for in the 2012-2013 State Budget, and is to also include both a timetable detailing development and implementation stages; and
6. That the Minister is to report back progress to the House on clauses (4) and (5) above by close of business Wednesday the 16th of May 2012
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment spokesperson
