Yesterday's meeting of state and federal Environment Ministers was in disarray as Queensland, under its new LNP government, refused to take part in any national action on the circular economy including to reduce the environmental and economic costs from wasteful packaging, PFAS and plastics.   

The Queensland government opted out, delaying national progress on several critical issues. To combat these issues quickly, this must lead to action by individual states.

Jeff Angel, Director of the Boomerang Alliance and Total Environment Centre states, "we cannot afford delay on such long-running problems.  If Queensland has to catch up, if and when it decides a clean and litter free environment is good for Queenslanders – then so be it.  We certainly don’t want the rest of Australia held back, nor should we support the old, polluting ways of the previous LNP government."

Boomerang Alliance's recently released YouGov poll for their Cut The Wrap campaign reveals that Queenslanders are in the top ranks compared to the other states, as concerned about plastic waste pollution and wanting action on packaging.  Action to get the economy onto a circular economy footing is essential to save resources and the environment.

Key issues discussed at yesterday’s ministerial meeting included:

• Progress on a mandatory product responsibility scheme for packaging and action on PFAS
• Stopping the destructive course of fires and toxic emissions from battery waste
• Further action on single use plastics
• A national Circular Economy Framework
• Stronger end markets for recycled products

Action by individual states will be most welcome by environment groups, key industry players and the community.