In Western Australia, a report commissioned by the Department of Environment and Conservation came down firmly in favour of container deposit legislation and it looks likely the state will introduce its own scheme. To add to the industry’s woes, the National Packaging Covenant, a voluntary deal between industry and governments that sets targets for recycling but in effect rules out the introduction of deposit schemes in its lifetime, is due for mid-term review by the end of this year. Perhaps the biggest threat to the drinks industry is this week’s announcement by the Family First senator Steve Fielding that he is working on legislation for a uniform national deposit scheme that he hopes to introduce into Parliament next month. Jeff Angel, executive director of the Total Environment Centre and spokesman for the Boomerang Alliance, a coalition of green groups and others formed to lobby for container deposit legislation, is in no doubt about the motive. Don Chambers, chairman of the Keep Australia Beautiful National Association and a board member of Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria, opposes the introduction of container deposit legislation in his home state. Read More

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