The Andrews Labor Government’s announcement today is a desperate bid to play catch up after years of inaction and allowing Victoria to suffer a massive waste, recycling and landfill crisis.
At the start of the year, the Victorian Liberal Nationals called for the introduction of a container deposit scheme in Victoria, while Labor let waste in Victoria spiral out of control.
Today’s announcement will see Victorians wait another three years before they receive their first refund and before the scheme can make a dent in Victoria’s waste crisis, whilst recycling continues to be sent to landfill.
The Government must act now and implement the Liberal National’s Zero to Landfill policy, including establishing a container deposit scheme immediately and committing to zero household waste to landfill by 2035.
Victoria is lagging behind every other state in Australia, which have schemes supported by industry and hospitality, and where the community benefits. So, why do Victorians have to wait another three years for one to be established here?
Labor should be getting on with the job of implementing this now, to help create jobs after the COVID crisis, and enable sporting and community groups – who can use the money collected to invest in new equipment and infrastructure – be winners out of this.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Bridget Vallence:
“The Andrews Labor Government has failed to act on Victoria’s waste and recycling crisis and allowed hundreds of thousands of tonnes of recycling be sent to landfill.
“2023 is too long to wait for any action on Victoria’s waste and recycling crisis. Victorians don’t need Labor to waste another three years on consultation and planning; they should get on with the job of fixing the waste crisis now.
“Victorians have been calling for a container deposit scheme for years. The Liberal Nationals have been calling for one and Labor has been dragging its heels. And today we find out Labor wants another three years before Victorians can get cash for containers. It’s not good enough.”
