Labor ditches new packaging laws to cut plastic waste, sparking unprecedented ‘scale and breadth of outrage’
Summary
The Albanese government has canceled plans to introduce new laws that would require companies to reduce plastic packaging waste. The government said it wants to avoid increasing costs for consumers due to ongoing cost of living pressures. Environmental groups and industry leaders criticized the decision, saying it delays efforts to tackle plastic pollution.Key Facts
- The government dropped a previously planned packaging law aimed at cutting plastic waste.
- The decision was made to avoid raising costs for consumers before the next election.
- Packaging makes up nearly 60% of all litter found in Australia.
- The proposed laws would have required producers to manage packaging waste through its full life cycle.
- Environmental and industry groups strongly opposed the shelving of the reforms.
- The government plans to work with states on improving packaging rules but will not launch a new national scheme this term.
- Leaders from recycling and conservation groups say clearer, national packaging rules are needed to reduce pollution and support recycling.
- The decision has caused widespread disappointment among stakeholders concerned with plastic waste and recycling.
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