Roger Jaensch,Minister for the Environment
It is only fitting that during National Recycling Week 2021, the Waste and Resource Recovery Bill 2021 passed the House of Assembly – a significant milestone in our Government’s overall plan to reduce waste and grow Tasmania’s circular economy.
The Bill establishes a statewide waste levy that will encourage the diversion of materials from landfill and fund the development of viable alternatives.
This means that instead of recyclable and organic materials going into landfill, more materials will be recovered from the waste streams and turned into new and valuable products. This is a win for the environment and a win for the creation of new jobs and businesses in Tasmania.
Importantly, the Bill also establishes a Waste and Resource Recovery Board that will develop a state-wide waste strategy for Tasmania and allocate funds from the levy to implement it.
This follows the passage of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s Container Refund Scheme Bill through the House on Wednesday. The proposed scheme will reduce litter, increase recycling and create opportunities for businesses, charities and community organisations right across Tasmania.
Unfortunately, in each case, the Labor Party chose to play petty politics that puts both of these bills at risk. They voted against the waste levy legislation without asking any questions at the committee stage of the debate, and they voted for the Container Refund Scheme bill, but want to send it to an inquiry when it reaches the Legislative Council.
Sending the bill to an inquiry would guarantee that Tasmanians won’t have a refund scheme in place next year, as currently planned.
This week further proves that Labor is out of touch. Tasmanians think this is sensible policy that is good for the environment and long overdue.
We have consulted widely throughout the development of both of these Bills, and have listened closely to the community, stakeholders, and local government to ensure they are in the best interests of Tasmania.
This Government is committed to addressing waste and driving the establishment of a circular economy in Tasmania, and these bills are key parts of our plan that will benefit our State for decades and generations to come.
Labor should stop playing political games and put Tasmania’s future first.
