Page 1267 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 11 April 2018

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MS CHEYNE: Minister, how is the ACT scheme different from the New South Wales scheme?

MS FITZHARRIS: I am pleased to advise the Assembly that while there are many legislative similarities with the New South Wales scheme, which was important not only for regional harmonisation but also future national harmonisation, with almost every jurisdiction in the country either having or soon to have a container deposit scheme, ours will be different. The government has taken into account feedback from the community and will deliver a scheme which best matches the needs of our city.

Building on the lessons learned from New South Wales, the ACT scheme has been designed to communicate effectively and efficiently with beverage suppliers, ultimately rewarding consumers who participate in the scheme, benefiting the environment, and supporting social enterprise and inclusion.

The ACT model includes collection point sites managed by social enterprise organisations. Some of these organisations will also manage bulk return depot sites, similar to the South Australian face-to-face established operating system.

To reduce litter and encourage scheme participation from the start of the ACT scheme, unlike in New South Wales, our collection points will accept crushed containers and any container which carries the refund marking of South Australia and the Northern Territory schemes. This will allow for a greater redemption rate of container acceptability.

MR STEEL: Minister, how will the container deposit scheme help social enterprises and charities?

MS FITZHARRIS: The scheme’s collection points will be predominantly run by social enterprises and manually operated, meaning that there will be someone at the collection point to take containers from consumers and to assist with container returns as required. Express collection points will be run by social enterprise groups, which in turn will create increased revenue streams through the employment and engagement of those most in need.

Members of the community will also be able to choose to donate their refunds directly to charity and other community organisations that have signed up to feature as a registered organisation within the scheme. The option to donate refunds to listed organisations will be made available at all collection points.

Over time the scheme will encourage better resource recovery infrastructure, increase local economic activity and provide greater employment opportunities. The ACT container deposit scheme speaks to the Canberra community as a whole and complements a broader waste action plan, which promotes a cleaner environment and future sustainability.

Mr Barr: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.


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