Labor ditches new packaging laws to cut plastic waste, sparking unprecedented ‘scale and breadth of outrage’

A federal government decision to abandon planned packaging standards has sparked criticism over a broken election pledge, with officials citing concerns about worsening cost of living pressures as the reason for delaying the policy. Industry representatives were informed via email that the long-discussed measures—aimed at reducing plastic waste through mandatory reforms for manufacturers and retailers—would not proceed before the next election. The move comes amid accusations that the government is prioritizing economic relief over environmental commitments. Critics argue the delay undermines efforts to hold businesses accountable for sustainability while adding to public frustration over policy reversals.

Federal environment department tells industry representatives the government does not want to ‘exacerbate cost of living pressures’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Albanese government has been accused of breaking a promise after it shelved a longstanding commitment to bring in packaging standards intended to force manufacturers and retailers to cut plastic waste.The federal environment department told industry representatives via email last week that the promise would not be kept before the next election because the government did not want to “exacerbate cost of living pressures”. Continue reading...