Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Health and Environment Committee
▸41 members spoke41 support
Supports the bill while claiming the LNP led the way on environmental policy including container deposit schemes and single-use plastic bag bans.
“It is the LNP that is leading the way when it comes to environmental activism in this state. It is members of the LNP who are able to hold our heads up high and lead the policy debate in this great state.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
As Minister for the Environment, moved the bill to ban single-use plastics starting with straws, stirrers, plates and cutlery. Announced amendments to include expanded polystyrene takeaway containers and cups in the ban.
“Plastic pollution is spoiling our streets and parks, escaping into our ocean and waterways and killing our iconic wildlife. Half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once, and it is then thrown away.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Strongly supports the bill, highlighting the positive impact of previous plastic bans in reducing litter and benefiting local charities through the container refund scheme.
“We know that government policies and laws can have an important and transformative impact on our local communities and on our natural environment and wildlife.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
As shadow environment minister, announced the LNP will support the legislation as good, practical environmental policy, while raising some concerns about school exemptions and Queensland's waste infrastructure lagging behind other states.
“The Liberal National Party will be supporting this legislation because it is good, practical environmental policy and because businesses and the community are already overwhelmingly taking action on this issue.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supports the bill as part of the government's waste reduction strategy.
“I rise to make a short contribution to the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as good commonsense legislation that is good for the environment and will help get plastics out of the marine environment, noting the success of the Containers for Change program.
“This is good, commonsense legislation. It is good for our environment. It is good to get plastics out of our marine environment.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supports the bill while raising concerns about the need for education campaigns in regional areas and proper consultation before future bans.
“Banning single-use plastics is only one side of the equation; education is on the other side.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as sensible steps forward for the environment, though expressed concern the legislation may not go far enough and noted unintended consequences of previous plastic bag bans.
“I think all of us in the House would agree that any steps forward we take in this respect are good steps for the environment in the future.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supports the bill as part of tackling plastic pollution.
“I rise to make a contribution to the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Spoke in strong support of the bill, highlighting the importance of protecting Moreton Bay Marine Park and local wildlife from plastic pollution, and praising the 94 per cent community support for the ban.
“I am so proud to be part of the Palaszczuk government, because our government is committed to reducing plastic pollution and the devastating impact it has on our environment.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce plastic waste in the environment.
“I rise to make a contribution to the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as an important step towards reducing plastic pollution, commending the government's commitment to eradicating plastic waste while calling for investment in education and end-use recycling technology.
“Putting the health of our oceans first, with this bill's strong commitment to the goal of eradicating plastic waste in Queensland, will reap enormous benefits for all Queenslanders now and in the future.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supports the bill to protect the Great Barrier Reef and marine environment.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as delivering on the Palaszczuk government's key values to protect ecosystems, waterways and wildlife. Highlighted the bill's exemptions for people with disability who need single-use plastic items.
“This bill delivers on key values of the Palaszczuk Labor government to protect our ecosystems, waterways and wildlife and reduce waste by banning single-use plastic items.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
As former environment minister, supports the bill as a logical progression from container deposit and plastic bag legislation, while raising concerns about definitions for bowls and plates.
“I, too, rise to support the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020. It is something that both sides of politics support; indeed, the LNP led the charge on container deposit legislation and plastic bags.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Commended the bill but called for a statewide publicity and education campaign to help small businesses and community groups in remote areas understand the new laws, noting the lack of container exchange programs in Western Queensland.
“I congratulate the minister, the previous minister and the department for the effort they have put into developing the definitions in the legislation that we rely on.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce single-use plastics.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
As former environment minister who introduced the bill, spoke in strong support and praised young advocates Molly Steer and Emily Walker for their Straw No More campaign that helped drive the legislation.
“It is because of Emily and Molly and other very passionate campaigners like them who want to protect the environment that we are at this point today debating this vital piece of legislation.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supports the bill as important environmental legislation.
“I rise to make a contribution to the debate on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Expressed support for the bill, emphasising the LNP's long-standing support for practical environmental initiatives including the container deposit scheme and ban on single-use plastic bags.
“Recycling is something that the LNP has supported for a long time. We will always support practical environmental initiatives, like those that have led to the end of single-use plastic bags.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce plastic pollution.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill as part of addressing plastic waste.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Strongly supports the bill, having advocated for plastic reduction since his time as a small business owner running jetski tours and seeing plastic pollution firsthand.
“The legislation before the House goes a long way to reducing the amount of single-use plastics here in Queensland. I commend the bill. I think it goes some way to fixing this global problem and it is a problem that we see on our shores right here in Queensland.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce plastic waste.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill as vital for preserving North Queensland's natural environment, noting schools and businesses leading the charge on reducing plastics.
“This legislation is a big step forward. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to ban single-use plastics.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill emphasising impact on Torres Strait communities.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce plastic pollution on the Gold Coast.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill as important environmental legislation.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to protect marine environment.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce single-use plastics.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to ban single-use plastics.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce plastic waste.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill as part of environmental protection.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce plastic pollution.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill as important environmental legislation.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce single-use plastics.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to protect the environment.
“I rise to make a contribution on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce plastic waste.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to ban single-use plastics.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supports the bill to reduce plastic pollution.
“I rise to speak on the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
That the amendment be agreed to
The motion passed.
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Ayes (53)
Noes (34)
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
The motion passed.
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Ayes (53)
Noes (34)
As Minister for the Environment, moved the bill and government amendment to include expanded polystyrene items in the ban.
“I move that the bill be now read a second time.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill bans single-use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, bowls and cutlery in Queensland to reduce plastic pollution. Healthcare facilities and schools are exempt to ensure people with disabilities and healthcare needs can still access these items when required.
Who it affects
Food and hospitality businesses must switch to sustainable alternatives, while consumers will receive reusable or compostable options. People with disabilities retain access through pharmacies and healthcare facilities.
Key changes
- Bans businesses from selling or supplying single-use plastic plates, bowls, cutlery, straws and stirrers
- Exempts healthcare facilities, pharmacies, schools and disability services from the ban
- Allows additional plastic items to be banned by regulation after public consultation
- Requires compostable plastic items to be clearly labelled with composting conditions
- Creates offences with maximum penalties of 50 penalty units for breaches
- Mandates a ministerial review within two years to assess the ban's effectiveness