Australia’s Environment Ministers have been criticised for delaying concrete action on packaging reform, recycling and plastic pollution, despite agreeing that packaging reform remains an urgent priority.
The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) welcomed NSW-led action on batteries and solar panels following the Environment Ministers’ Meeting, but said the new Circular Economy Roadmap risks repeating years of policy development without delivering reform.
WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan praised NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and the NSW Government for progressing mandatory battery stewardship and plans to finalise mandatory solar panel regulation by the end of 2026.
“NSW is getting on with the job. It is implementing mandatory battery stewardship and intends to finalise mandatory solar panel regulation by the end of 2026,” Sloan said.
However, Sloan said the Circular Economy Roadmap largely repackaged ambitions contained in Australia’s Circular Economy Framework, while providing few firm deadlines or clear accountability.
“After almost four years of frameworks and planning, Australia should be delivering, not launching another roadmap to more process,” Sloan said.
WMRR said packaging was a clear example, with ministers again identifying it as an urgent priority while directing officials to examine options, consult stakeholders and undertake further analysis.
“Recognition is not reform. Packaging was declared a priority years ago. Australia has already reviewed, consulted, discussed and delayed,” Sloan said.
Jeff Angel, Director of the Boomerang Alliance, which represents 56 NGOs, also criticised the outcome.
“Despite agreeing that packaging reform remains an urgent and important environmental priority, the communiqué released after the meeting seems designed to avoid clarity and will maximise confusion,” Angel said.
The Boomerang Alliance is calling for mandatory producer responsibility for packaging, including targets for collection, recycling, recycled content and reuse, new rules to eliminate harmful chemicals from packaging, and an immediate producer-funded collection service for soft plastics.
WMRR said Australia needs an overarching mandatory extended producer responsibility framework covering clear producer obligations, national design requirements and responsibility for collection, recovery and end-of-life management.
“The sector needs decisions, not another round of process,” Sloan said.