Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020
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 and impact on people with disabilities
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee3 Dec 2020View Hansard
Referred to Health and Environment Committee
The Health and Environment Committee examined this bill in the 57th Parliament, building on a comprehensive inquiry by the former Natural Resources, Agricultural Industry Development and Environment Committee in the 56th Parliament. All 13 submissions unanimously supported the proposed ban on single-use plastic items. The committee recommended the bill be passed, endorsing the earlier committee's five recommendations including expanding the ban to cover expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers.
Key findings (5)
- All 13 submissions to the inquiry unanimously supported the principle of banning certain single-use plastic items including plates, bowls, cutlery, straws and stirrers.
- Stakeholders and the government supported expanding the ban to include expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers in the first tranche of banned items.
- The National Retail Association and other industry groups called for education and engagement campaigns to accompany the ban, with adequate lead time for businesses to source alternatives.
- Several submitters opposed the exemption for schools and shelf-ready packaged products, arguing these should also be included in the ban.
- Public consultation attracted nearly 20,000 responses, with 94 per cent showing overwhelming support for introducing the ban.
Recommendations (5)
- The committee recommends the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020 be passed.
- The committee recommends that the Bill be amended to include expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers in the first tranche of banned single-use plastic items.
- The committee recommends that the Queensland Government work with other stakeholders within the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation to accelerate support for businesses to transition away from single-use plastic items, including expanded polystyrene products.
- The committee recommends that the Department of Environment and Science review the exemption of schools from the ban on the supply of single-use plastic items as part of the two year review.
- The committee recommends that the Department of Environment and Science review the penalties for providing false or misleading information about single-use plastic items as part of the two year review.
Committee report tabled
▸Second Reading9 Mar 2021View Hansard
▸37 members spoke37 support
Supported the bill while asserting LNP leadership on environmental policy, noting the LNP announced the container deposit scheme in 2016 and introduced the single-use plastic bag policy.
“It is the LNP that is interested in practical environmental outcomes.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Introduced the bill as Minister for the Environment, outlining the ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates, and foreshadowing amendments to include expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups.
“This bill represents an important milestone that demonstrates this government's commitment to tackling plastic waste and pollution for the benefit of our environment and future generations, but this is just the start of our war on waste.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the transformative impact of previous government waste initiatives and highlighting community enthusiasm including 94 per cent support in consultations.
“This is an overwhelming expression by our community that they want something done about single-use plastic items in Queensland.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
As shadow environment minister, confirmed the LNP would support the bill as good, practical environmental policy, while raising concerns about school exemptions, the need for better recycling infrastructure and Queensland's failure to match the federal Recycling Modernisation Fund.
“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
Supported the bill as a committee member, drawing on his marine science background to highlight the impact of plastics on turtles and marine life in Moreton Bay.
“Some plastics mimic jellyfish in the water column. Of course, jellyfish are one of the food sources for turtles.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as commonsense legislation good for the environment, highlighting overwhelming public support of 94 per cent during consultation and the availability of suitable alternatives such as paper straws and bamboo cutlery.
“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
Supported the bill as part of the government's holistic approach to waste reduction, noting the success of Containers for Change in Ipswich with over 150 million containers recycled.
“I would like to see Queensland become a zero waste society, where waste is avoided, reused and recycled to the greatest possible extent.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as sensible steps forward while noting the legislation may not go far enough, raising concerns about unintended consequences such as people using reusable bags as bin liners and increasing pre-packaged food in supermarkets.
“I rise to speak in support of the bill. While my role on the committee was not that substantive because we were simply reviewing a committee report that was being re-presented from the previous term, nonetheless I am a supporter of this bill.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill while raising concerns about cross-border issues with New South Wales, compostable plastics processing in regional areas, and the need for education campaigns.
“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 part of the Palaszczuk government's commitment to reducing plastic pollution, highlighting the benefits for her electorate bordering Moreton Bay Marine Park and noting a decrease in plastic bag and bottle litter since earlier reforms.
“I am delighted to stand to speak in support of the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020. 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
Supported the bill as a former committee member, highlighting local community groups and businesses already phasing out single-use plastics ahead of the legislation.
“My daughter Allegra loves to say 'The world is not your garbage can.'”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Commended the government for the bill and supported banning single-use plastics, while calling for greater investment in end-use recycling technology, mandatory waste cleanup requirements for renewable energy companies, and extending waste reduction principles to Pacific island nations through twinning arrangements.
“I rise today in support of the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020 and commend the government for this important step towards achieving an overall reduction in plastic pollution of 20 per cent by 2023.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, praising local Plastic Free Noosa initiatives and community businesses already implementing the changes.
“Since the 1950s all of the plastic that has ever been produced has ended up in our environment.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as the logical next step in reducing waste, highlighting the reduction in plastic bag and container litter at her local Clean Up Australia Day event and the importance of disability exemptions for her constituents.
“With the ban due to start in September, by this time next year my hope is that there will be hundreds of kilos less of plastic waste to be cleaned up from Pumicestone's beautiful beaches thanks to the Palaszczuk government.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the Whitsunday Regional Council's 2016 unanimous vote to ban single-use plastics and the local tourism industry's dependence on a clean marine environment.
“I am pleased to rise in the House to speak in support of the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill while urging the government to conduct a statewide education campaign for small businesses and remote communities in western Queensland that lack container exchange programs and recycling facilities.
“In order to assist them, I do ask the minister to ensure that a statewide publicity and education campaign about the new laws is conducted well before they commence.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's broader environmental commitment, highlighting the ecoBiz program, Advancing Clean Energy Schools, and the hydrogen portfolio.
“I am absolutely thrilled that so many of the local schools in my electorate are beneficiaries of this policy.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Spoke in support as the former environment minister who originally introduced the bill, highlighting the government's broader war on waste including the plastic bag ban and container refund scheme, and acknowledging young campaigners Molly Steer and Emily Walker.
“It was my great privilege to serve as the minister for environment and the Great Barrier Reef during the last term of government and to introduce this bill, which Minister Scanlon is now bringing forward for debate.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as LNP shadow environment minister, raising concerns about compostable plastics processing, school exemptions, and the need for better definitional clarity around bowls and plates.
“The world did not end when we phased out single-use plastic bags and it did not end when we brought in container deposit legislation, and so it is not going to end in doing this.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, arguing the LNP has long supported practical environmental initiatives including the container deposit scheme and plastic bag ban, which she claimed the LNP took to the 2017 election before the government adopted it. Debate was adjourned before she finished her speech.
“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
Supported the bill as part of the government's strong environmental record including tree-clearing laws, plastic bag bans and the container refund scheme.
“Protecting our environment is one of the most fundamental things that we must do in all aspects of our everyday lives.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as Education Minister, highlighting Queensland schools already leading on waste reduction and the government's Advancing Clean Energy Schools program.
“It is great to stand up to support the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as former shadow environment minister, emphasising the health impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics and the need for adequate business transition time.
“As with other practical environmental and waste-reduction schemes, this plastics ban will require time for both businesses and the community to be educated on and ultimately to understand and adopt this initiative.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting local businesses in the hinterland that have already adapted practices in support of waste reduction.
“Removing single-use plastics is responsible governance which has community support.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, raising concerns about the need for clearer definitions of bowls and plates and the capacity of regional councils to process compostable plastics.
“I am supporting the bill.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting that the ban creates jobs including a new container recycling depot in the Coorparoo area.
“We are doing good things for the environment. We realise that we do not have to make a choice between the environment and jobs.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as a former jetski tour operator who saw plastic pollution daily, acknowledging the advocacy of young Townsville student Emily and her Straw No More campaign.
“The KAP will be supporting this legislation. I am more than happy to back this as it passes through the House.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's suite of waste reduction measures including the plastic bag ban, waste levy and container deposit scheme.
“I am pleased to speak in support of the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting the challenges of waste management in remote communities in the Cook electorate and praising Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council's recycling plant.
“Without strong legislation in place to ban single-use plastic we will continue to run the risk of single-use plastic items ending up in our landfills, our oceans and waterways and the environment.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting sustainable initiatives in the Currumbin electorate including the Currumbin RSL's waste reduction program and the ecovillage at Currumbin.
“I am proud to say that in the Currumbin electorate we have already started making changes to strive towards a sustainable community.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as a good step, urging the government to extend the ban to coffee cups and other takeaway plastics over time, and seeking clarity on disability exemptions.
“This bill is a good step and it is the sort of reform that the Greens have called for for a long time amongst a much needed broader suite of reform around waste and plastics.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the success of the container recycling scheme in her electorate and the positive environmental impact on the Albert and Logan rivers flowing into Moreton Bay.
“As a society we have done it before and we can do it again.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting that many food operators in the Mackay region have already transitioned away from single-use plastics.
“This bill is a win for the environment. It is also a win for manufacturing and job opportunities in my region.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill, highlighting the economic sense of waste reduction and the jobs created in recycling industries.
“To use less of any resource is a good thing. It saves money for the consumer, it saves money for the corporation and it saves money for the state.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill as sensible and pragmatic legislation, drawing on personal observations of plastic pollution in oceans and on beaches during travels.
“This is sensible and pragmatic legislation and, as plenty of speakers before me have said, we on this side of the chamber will be supporting it.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
Supported the bill while humorously noting the practical challenges of paper straws and encouraging entrepreneurs to develop better biodegradable alternatives.
“I just plead with any entrepreneurs out there who can actually develop a great recyclable biodegradable straw.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
In reply as Environment Minister, committed to implementing the ban from 1 September 2021, beginning the review within 12 months, and working with schools, disability and retail sectors on implementation.
“On this important day we take another step forward in protecting Queensland's environment.”— 2021-03-10View Hansard
▸In Detail10 Mar 2021View Hansard
Government amendment to clause 5 to add expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and cups to the list of banned single-use plastic items.
That the amendment be agreed to
Vote on an ALP amendment to an LNP motion about the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), replacing the LNP's call to support the ABCC with a motion calling on the government not to support the ABCC's ongoing role. Unrelated to the Waste Reduction bill.
The motion passed.
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Ayes (53)
Noes (34)
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
Final vote on the ABCC motion as amended by the ALP, which noted federal Labor's policy to abolish the ABCC and called on the government not to support its ongoing role. Unrelated to the Waste Reduction bill.
The motion passed.
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Ayes (53)
Noes (34)
Assent date: 15 March 2021