- Upper House MPs move to block WA's plastic bag ban
- Single-use bag ban set to start this Sunday (July 1)
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson has denounced moves by the Greens and the Liberal Democrats to disallow the Environmental Protection (Plastic Bags) Regulations 2018.
Greens MLC Robin Chapple and Liberal Democrat MLC Aaron Stonehouse today each moved a motion for disallowance in the Legislative Council.
Mr Chapple moved that barrier bags be included in the single-use plastic bag ban, while Mr Stonehouse moved that all regulations be disallowed.
Western Australians overwhelmingly support a ban on single-use plastic bags, with more than 4,400 people contributing comments during consultation.
Of these respondents, 95 per cent were in favour of banning lightweight plastic bags.
In addition, more than 90 per cent were in favour of banning biodegradable, degradable and compostable bags which persist in the environment and form microplastics.
Despite these parliamentary tactics, WA's plastic bag ban will continue to roll out from July 1, 2018. The disallowance motions will be heard and debated later this year.
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Liberal Democrats have wilfully denounced the wishes of the Western Australian people who have overwhelmingly shown their support for a plastic bag ban in this State.
"It's disappointing that Mr Stonehouse has taken it upon himself to disrespect the wishes of the public and impose his own views to the detriment of the environment.
"If the market alone was going to safeguard the environment, it would have delivered this by now.
"The Greens move to include deli bags, used to protect the hygiene and integrity of uncooked meats and cheeses, is short-sighted and could lead to illness.
"Western Australians want this ban now, the Greens and Liberal Democrats should get out of the road and let us get on with this important initiative."
Minister's office - 6552 5800
