POLICY & ADVOCACY > TASMANIA
The Tasmanian Government has announced that it has instructed its Environment Protection Authority to provide advice on the possibility of introducing a container deposit scheme (CDS).
Before the Government introduces any such scheme, the National Retail Association has asked that they consult with the retail industry to ensure that no retailer is impacted by any adverse regulation.
As members would be aware, the NRA is already involved with a similar proposition in New South Wales (see: NRA calls on NSW Government to consult with retailers on container deposit scheme)
NRA Chief Executive Officer Dominique Lamb said that the Government needed to work with the retail industry to ensure that retailers will not be crushed by heavy-handed government regulation.
“The NRA does believe that participation in the container deposit scheme should be voluntary and that no retailer should be forced to act as a collection point,” Ms Lamb said.
“The NRA is calling on the Tasmanian Government to consult with the retail industry, to ensure that no retailer is adversely effected by new government regulation associated with the introduction of the CDS.”
While most retailers recognise and support the need for better waste management and recycling, the NRA simply asks that the scheme be voluntary, as some retailers do not have the capacity to act as mandatory collection points. If the scheme is compulsory, some retailers will be forced to use floor space and will unfairly shoulder the extra costs.
We look forward to consulting with the Tasmanian Government should they decide to consider a container deposit scheme.
The National Retail Association encourages any retailers concerned about the proposed schemes to get in contact with our Policy & Advocacy Team at info@nra.net.au.