The National Retail Association (NRA) has today fully endorsed the announcement by the New South Wales Government to seek input on the future of plastic within the state.
Earlier today Premier Gladys Berejeklian and Environment Minister Matt Kean unveiled the NSW Plastics Plan discussion paper Cleaning Up Our Act: Redirecting the Future of Plastic in NSW. The document outlines a strategy to reduce single-use, unnecessary and problematic plastics in NSW.
NRA Manager of Industry Policy David Stout welcomed the announcement and confirmed that retailers look forward to working in a constructive and positive manner with the Government.
“The NRA wholeheartedly endorses this announcement by the New South Wales Government,” Mr Stout said.
“The retail sector is actively committed to improving the environment, with over 7 billion plastic bags prevented in the last 2 years nationwide and many other positive initiatives underway.”
“We’re also supportive of the process the Government is adopting with this measure. Community and industry consultation is key to ensuring that we get the right environmental outcomes without unintended consequences.
“It is crucial that affected parties are consulted and that sectors such as retail are engaged as part of the process, as we all have a part to play in improving the environment.
The National Retail Association has already worked closely with numerous state governments across the country in implementing bans on lightweight plastic shopping bags.
“The NRA has a proven track record of collaborating with state governments to support businesses in their transition to more sustainable alternatives, and we hope to do the same with the New South Wales Government,” Mr Stout said.
“Retail and food businesses across the state will need to be fully across any laws that emanate from this process and their feedback will help ensure that we get effective legislation that does not provide a major disruption to businesses or customers.”
“Our experience is that when retailers and their customers have had sufficient time to prepare for reforms such as plastic bag bans, we can all work together to create positive outcomes for the environment.”