State scrutiny on thick plastic bags use

THE State Government has launched a probe into Tasmania’s plastic bag ban after retailers were found to be giving away thicker, single-use plastic bags.

Environment Minister Matthew Groom has asked the Environment Protection Authority to inspect the thicker bags, which are not technically in breach of the ban.

The move has been welcomed by a leading plastic bag campaigner but has drawn a cool response from the peak body for small business.

“When Tasmania’s plastic bag ban was introduced [in 2013], it was nationleading and has certainly helped change community attitudes. However, I acknowledge the significant community concern that has emerged in relation to the current effectiveness of the ban,” Mr Groom said.

“It would appear that there has been an increase in the volume of a thicker type of single-use bag that, while technically compliant, are inconsistent with the original intent. We want to fix this.”

“WE have asked the EPA to undertake an audit to fully understand the current practice and make recommendations to the Government on how to best address the issue.”

The audit is due to be completed by the end of the year.

Environmental campaigner Ben Kearney, who was behind Coles Bay’s move to become Australia’s first plastic bag free town, welcomed the audit. “There are a lot of retailers who have got single use bags that are a bit thicker,” he said.

However, Tasmanian Small Business Council executive officer Robert Mallett said smaller retailers would likely resist any further tightening of the rules.

“If they are looking to expand the ban to other things, they are going to have a fight on their hands,” he said.

“There was a lot of consultation and there was a lot of thought around plastic bags when the ban came in.”

Mr Mallett said many retailers gave away thicker plastic bags that could be reused as a way of competing with the big two supermarkets.

Coles and Woolworths charged 15c for reusable plastic bags while many small operators avoided passing on the cost of customers, he said.

“For convenience stores it provides a significant competitive edge,” Mr Mallett said.