Tuesday, 18 February 2020

Container deposit scheme

Mr WELLS (Rowville) (13:28): In this statement I pay great credit to the Liberal-Nationals coalition for their commitment to bringing back a container deposit scheme which is similar to the program that provided small refunds for bottles and cans as far back as the 1980s. I remember being a young cub and scout in Bairnsdale, and I remember this program well and believe it is a fantastic initiative that can be a major source of income for scouts, guides and sporting clubs. Not only will this program provide funds for local community and sporting groups, but it will also reduce litter in parks, roadsides and beaches as well as improve recycling.

Victoria is now the only state in the country that does not have a cash-for-containers scheme. It is time for Victoria to not only catch up with other states but to get ahead. That is why this scheme will be a high priority for an elected Liberal-Nationals government. With the Andrews Labor government’s total failure to properly deal with the recycling issue Victoria faced last year, it is so important that this scheme along with the fantastic waste-to-energy policy are put in place. Victoria needs solid, realistic and achievable policies put in place to refix the recycling mess. That is why the Liberal-Nationals coalition are considering the best schemes from across the country so the Victorian version is the best of the best.