Peak retail lobby group the National Retail Association has thrown its support behind the Federal Government’s calls to “put progress before perfection” when it comes to improving the environment.
After more than five years working alongside various state and territory governments on reducing plastic waste, the NRA understands the importance of just getting started with the job, rather than arguing about the end point.
NRA Chief Executive Officer Dominique Lamb was in Canberra today to hear Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek deliver the State of the Environment Report.
Ms Lamb welcomed the commitment to stronger action on climate issues, and said businesses had already been making progress.
“The NRA has long been a part of this conversation and effort, and we have been guiding businesses and consumers alike around environmental government regulations like the single-use plastics ban,” Ms Lamb said.
“Our members and their customers have worked together to save more than 10 billion single-use plastic items over the last five years. This includes shoppings bags, straws, cups and cutlery.
“And while the rules on these items differ from state to state, the important thing is that we are getting to work, rather than sitting around waiting for all levels of government to agree.
“We understand that environmental milestones small or big can only be achieved when community and government work hand in hand with one another, so in essence this is a national effort.
“The NRA will continue to be a part of the conversation and the effort to create positive environmental change encouraging the retail sector as well as our consumers to work with the Government in its proposed efforts,” she said.
The National Retail Association is the voice of modern retail and is Australia’s most representative retail industry association, with more than 60,000 shop fronts nationwide. It has been serving businesses in the retail and fast food sectors for close to 100 years.
Dominique Lamb is available for interviews. Contact the NRA media unit on 0467 792 013.