THE Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s weekend announcement that they will ban single-use plastics by 2023.

The Andrews Labor Government has stated the ban will include single-use plastic straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, polystyrene food and drink containers, and plastic cotton bud sticks.

Victoria becomes the fifth Australian state or territory to commit to ban single-use plastics, with a ban on single-use plastic straws, cutlery and drink stirrers commencing today in South Australia, and the ACT, Queensland and Western Australian governments committing to introduce bans in the near future.

Shane Cucow, plastics spokesperson for the AMCS, welcomed the Andrews Government’s action as good news for Australia’s vulnerable ocean wildlife.

“We are pleased to see the Victorian Government responding to the concerns of ocean lovers who have been crying out for action to save our whales and wildlife," Mr Cucow said.

“By joining states like South Australia and banning lethal plastics like straws, cutlery and polystyrene food and beverage containers, Victoria will become a leader in the fight against plastic.

“For years we have seen shocking incidents of wildlife hurt by plastics, such as whales washing up on our beaches with stomachs full of plastic, or mother birds feeding plastics to their chicks.

“With safe, earth friendly alternatives now available, it’s time to ditch these killer plastics and stop the flow of plastic into our oceans once and for all."

Mr Cucow urged the Victorian Government to move quickly, and accelerate their timeline for implementation.

“For years we have known about this crisis. Every day we wait, more animals are killed by the plastic entering our oceans," he said.

“Two more years is a long time to wait for action to stop these preventable deaths. With South Australia’s ban commencing today, and Queensland and the ACT expected to act this year, the time to act is now.

www.amcs.og.au

Background

South Australia’s ban on single-use plastics commences today, officially becoming the first Australian state or territory to outlaw plastic straws, drink stirrers and cutlery. On March 1, 2022 polystyrene food and beverage containers and oxo-degradable plastics will also be banned. See government release here.

Queensland’s Parliament is currently considering a bill to ban single-use plastic straws, cutlery, drink-stirrers and disposable plastic plates/bowls. Details here.

The ACT Parliament is currently considering a bill to ban single-use plastic cutlery, drink stirrers and polystyrene food and beverage containers, with the government indicating it would commence on July 1, 2021. See government release here.

The WA Government has committed to phase out single-use plastic plates, straws, cutlery, drink stirrers, heavyweight plastic bags, polystyrene food containers and helium balloon releases by 2023. Details here.

The New South Wales Government recently completed public consultations that canvassed the idea of a ban on single-use plastics. They are yet to announce their plans.

Tasmania and the Northern Territory have made no commitments to ban single-use plastics.

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RESOURCE exploration spending in Queensland increased by almost $130 million or 23 percent in 2020, according to new data released today.

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane said increased investment in coal, metals and gas exploration was a strong signal in the long-term confidence of the resources sector, particularly in the wake of the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on sections of the economy.

“These latest exploration expenditure figures tell a very positive story about the new investment and new jobs that are going to help Queensland work and earn its way through COVID,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“These results are remarkable because just like every other industry, resources has been impacted by COVID-19.

“Many exploration and drilling companies have reported financial losses, limited access to investment capital and logistics issues due to travel restrictions, but overall the industry has continued to perform.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics data released today shows the overall expenditure in resources sector exploration last year was $679.4 million, which is almost $130 million above expenditure in the 2019.

Mr Macfarlane said the growth in exploration has been across coal, metals and gas.  

“Exploration expenditure in minerals increased by 18 percent to $411.7 million in 2020 with coal, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt and gold all up,” he said.

“Exploration expenditure in petroleum, including gas, also increased by 31 percent to $267.7 million last year.”

Mr Macfarlane said the QRC and its exploration arm, the Queensland Exploration Council (QEC), have continued to work with the Queensland Government on the release of additional areas for exploration and initiatives such as the Collaborative Exploration Initiative to support continued development.

“There is no room for complacency.  The government and industry need to continue to work in partnership to grow exploration and ultimately the production investment pipeline,” he said.

www.qrc.org.au

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration will hold three days of public hearings between March 1 and 3.

Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said, "At these hearings, the committee will hear from a range of important stakeholders in order to gain a rounded understanding of how Australia’s skilled migration program can better support the post-pandemic recovery.

"The committee will receive evidence from peak bodies, government departments, unions, professional associations, venture capital firms and small businesses," Mr Leeser said.

‘The committee is seeking to table an interim report on immediate adjustments to the skilled migration program to support pandemic recovery, and Australia’s attractiveness to entrepreneurs and talented individuals later in March. These hearings will be vital to informing the committee’s conclusions."

The committee is still accepting submissions for this inquiry. Submissions addressing the terms of reference will be accepted until March 31, 2021.

More details on the inquiry are available on the committee website.

Public hearing details
Date: Monday 1 March 2021
Time: 9am to 4.30pm
Location: by teleconference

Date: Tuesday 2 March 2021
Time: 9am to 12.30pm
Location: by teleconference

Date: Wednesday 3 March 2021
Time: 9am to 4.30pm
Location: by teleconference

Each hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has welcomed an agreement between the SDA and Master Grocers Australia to make improvements to the Retail Award, which will help small businesses in their recovery efforts.

The changes, supported by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), allow retail businesses and workers to agree to increased hours for part time workers that provide flexibility to businesses and security for part time staff.

The proposed reforms have been submitted to the Fair Work Commission for approval, including the provision of access to arbitration by both employers and workers.

Ms Carnell said the agreed changes to the Retail Award were in line with the perma-flexi classification policy long-held by her office.

“This agreement represents significant progress for small businesses that have been crying out for greater flexibility as they recover from the COVID crisis,” Ms Carnell said.

“The agreed changes to the award are proof that better outcomes for business and workers are possible when parties approach the negotiating table with an open mind.

“Under the current system, employers are more likely to hire a casual worker when a staff member takes leave because giving existing staff additional hours comes at a far greater cost.

“If approved, the revised award allows small businesses to offer more hours to their part time employees, while also giving those existing staff members the opportunity to work more hours if they choose.

“Importantly, both small businesses and workers will have enforceable rights under the award, with access to arbitration through the Fair Work Commission.

“It is agreements like this that will give small businesses the confidence and flexibility they need to get back on their feet as part of the national economic recovery.” 

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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