If you wanted to have your say in a new inquiry into plastic pollution in Australia’s oceans and waterways, time is running out.

Submissions to the Australian Government-led inquiry are due by 22 December 2022. Anyone who wants to address the inquiry terms of reference is invited to upload their submission here.

About the plastic inquiry

Plastic pollution in oceans and waterways has been the talk of the town for many years now and while we are still playing catch up with recycling initiatives and solutions, it is time to see if we are keeping pace with global movements towards more sustainable approaches to the usage and repurpose/recycling of plastic.

The inquiry will shine a light on whether the time has come for Australia to gear up its pace in tackling this issue.

Tackling this issue requires a thorough understanding of both the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and existing and potential approaches to reduce it.

The new inquiry is being led by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.

The inquiry has been designed to particularly focus on:

Ocean plastics impact wildlife and our fisheries. 

• The environmental impacts of plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways.
• The effectiveness of Australia’s plastics management framework under the National Plastics Plan and related policies to reduce plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways.
• The effectiveness of the Australian Government’s engagement with states, territories, industry, and non-government organisations to reduce plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways.
• The effectiveness of community campaigns to reduce plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways and encourage the use of alternative materials.
• Global underway initiatives to reduce plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways.
• Any other relevant matter.

In launching the inquiry, Committee Chair, Mr Tony Zappia MP said “Australia produces some 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and of this, around 130,000 tonnes leaks into the environment, including our oceans and waterways.”

“The impact of plastic pollution on marine environments is significant, particularly as larger plastic items break down and leave microplastic remnants that are absorbed by plants, wildlife, and humans.”

If this is your first submission, you might find this link useful. On the landing page, you will see a snapshot of the inquiry process and the requirements and content instructions for your submission.

For more information about this committee, you can visit their website.  There you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

Sources: Media Release ‘Plastic pollution in Committee’s sights,’ 10/11/22; www.aph.gov.au – Inquiry into plastic pollution in Australia’s oceans and waterways.