Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Environment spokesperson
Last month, Western Australia joined Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, the Northern Territory, and national leader, South Australia, in agreeing to introduce cash for container schemes.
In the next session of Parliament, the Greens will move that the Government legislate to introduce a container deposit scheme.
We hope that the Liberal Government and Labor Opposition will support the move, and we can implement a 'cash for cans' scheme in Tasmania with tripartisan support.
We have written to the Premier, Environment Minister and Opposition Leader asking for their support. *
Only Tasmania and Victoria are yet to introduce or commit to a container deposit scheme. To keep our authentic clean, green brand, we can't risk being the last State to act.
Cash for container schemes reduce the number of drink containers that end up in landfill, our parks, waterways and oceans. These schemes are good for the environment and for community groups, who collect containers to fundraise.
A container deposit scheme in Tasmania would ease the pressure on waste management for local councils and create jobs. It's estimated an extra 380 jobs would be created by this scheme.
Cash for container schemes are a win for everyone, for the community and the environment. It's a no-brainer.
* Copy of letter and draft Notice of Motion, attached.
