Page 2160 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 5 June 2019

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Omit all words after paragraph (1)(b), substitute:

“(2) further notes that:

(a) there is currently no nationally or internationally co-ordinated program providing for a dedicated pathway for end-of-life management of photovoltaic panels;

(b) photovoltaic products have been listed as a priority product list under the Commonwealth Government’s Product Stewardship Act 2011;

(c) the Victorian Government has been leading a multi-jurisdictional working group with the photovoltaic sector on a national product stewardship scheme; and

(d) the working group continues to develop a national product stewardship approach for photovoltaic products as a priority; and

(3) calls for the ACT Government to:

(a) continue working with all jurisdictions to develop a national stewardship scheme to ensure safe and responsible disposal and recycling for photovoltaic panels and batteries as a priority;

(b) co-operate with other jurisdictions to undertake studies into how solar panels and batteries are disposed of in countries where solar is a major source of renewable energy; and

MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong—Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Minister for Corrections and Justice Health, Minister for Justice, Consumer Affairs and Road Safety and Minister for Mental Health) (5.05): I welcome the opportunity to discuss this interesting and relevant issue in the Assembly this afternoon. Mr Steel has given quite a bit of information on the state of play nationally on this issue, and it has been very informative to listen to those comments. I would like to add a couple of points to what the minister has said, from the perspective of my own portfolio responsibilities.

Members are no doubt aware that as part of our policy supporting 100 per cent renewable electricity we have a household battery program called the next generation energy storage program. Ms Lawder made reference to this in her opening remarks. It is a $25 million program, and it is supporting the rollout of up to 36 megawatts of smart battery storage. Around 1,100 systems have been supported under the program to date, with the rate of installation expected to increase through 2019.

A recycling component is built into our battery program. All of the next generation energy storage program installers are required to ensure that energy storage systems and components are not disposed of in landfill and do not become unmanaged waste. Essentially, they have a producer responsibility for their products.

The next gen program requirements were developed in consultation with the Australian battery recycling initiative. Under the requirements, installers must follow

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