Media Release: VICTORIA LEADS THE WAY WITH PLASTIC BAG TRIAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

DATE: Tuesday, July 1, 2008

VICTORIA LEADS THE WAY WITH PLASTIC BAG TRIAL

An Australian-first trial aiming to reduce the use of plastic bags is planned to start in August in Fountain Gate, Wangaratta and Warrnambool, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings, said today.

Minister Jennings and CEO of the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) Margy Osmond announced that the three trial sites would lead Victoria’s trial to help reduce the use of plastic bags.

The trial represents the first practical action to reduce plastic bag use by any state government in Australia.

Mr Jennings said the trial to test the impact of a charge on plastic bag use would take place over four weeks, and is subject to approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) ANRA has submitted an application for authorization of the trial to the ACCC. This is required under the Trade Practices Act..

“The Brumby Government, in partnership with ANRA and major supermarkets, is taking action to reduce the use of plastic bags in Victoria,” Mr Jennings said.

“Victorians use almost 1 billion lightweight plastic bags a year wasting valuable resources and creating unnecessary rubbish.

“We want to find an approach that delivers the best outcome for shoppers and the environment.”

CEO of ANRA Margy Osmond said, if approved by the ACCC, the trial would involve placing a uniform charge of 10 cents on bags in Fountain Gate, Warrnambool and Wangaratta.

“The funds raised from the bag trial will be spent on community education and local environmental projects,” Mrs Osmond said.

“This trial is a practical way to find the cheapest, simplest way to encourage consumers to reduce their plastic bag use.

Retailers want a solution that’s going to work best for the environment and Victorian consumers.”

The response from those communities to the charge will help to develop a national approach to reducing plastic bag use.

Supermarkets participating in the trial include Coles, Safeway and IGA.

Major grocery retailer ALDI has never provided single use plastic bags or free plastic bags. ALDI has committed to supporting the Government with information on its own experience in providing alternative options for customers.

Mr Jennings said it was preferable that efforts to reduce plastic bag use were undertaken in partnership with communities and retailers, rather than being imposed through regulation or legislation.

“Margy and I would like to thank these communities for their participation in the trial and the trial partners for their commitment and support to reducing the use of plastic bags in Victoria,” Mr Jennings said.

Mr Jennings also announced the establishment of a steering committee which will oversee the trial and its outcomes.

“I am delighted to announce the involvement of Caroline Bayliss as Chair of the Steering Committee (RMIT) and members Kelly O’Shannassy (Environment Victoria), Mick Bourke (EPA Victoria), as well as representatives from Coles and Safeway,” Mr Jennings said.

“I am confident that a voluntary approach to charging for plastic bags can provide an effective mechanism for reducing plastic bag use across Australia.”

The outcomes of the trial will be considered at the next meeting of State, Territory and Commonwealth Environment Ministers (EPHC) in November 2008 and will help inform a national approach to reducing plastic bag use.