Statement - Labor's container deposit scheme starts in disarray

Statement – Labor’s container deposit scheme starts in disarray

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Environment

01 November 2023.

The Labor Government’s Container Deposit Scheme starts today amid ongoing disarray and with advocates calling for it to be delayed.

Acknowledging the chaos, environmental advocates, including the Boomerang Alliance, have called for a delay in the scheme’s commencement as the Allan Labor Government is not ready to manage the estimated three billion eligible beverages consumed in Victoria each year.

The Boomerang Alliance says there aren’t enough refund points for consumers and there are significant differences in the quality and convenience of the small number of points. Furthermore, they warn the disappointing experience for consumers could turn Victorians off participating.

Shadow Minister for Environment, James Newbury, said: “The Liberals and Nationals led in calling for Victoria to introduce a working container deposit scheme, almost four years ago.

“Today is a massive let down for environmentally minded Victorians who have waited years for Labor to introduce a working Container Deposit Scheme only to find out the State Government has stuffed it up.”

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Environment