Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Environmental Conservation

Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Whish-Wilson moved that the Senate take note of the Minister for the Environment and Water's answer regarding plastic pollution. The senator argued that recent studies link microplastics to health issues, including cancer in young people, and highlighted public concern following the collapse of the REDcycle program. Whish-Wilson criticised the lack of binding domestic legislation in Australia while advocating for a strong global treaty in Geneva. The senator emphasised that producers must bear responsibility for end-of-life management and warned against industry lobbying for weak, voluntary agreements. The motion was agreed to without further debate.

Outcome

The motion that the Senate take note of the answer was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Peter Whish-Wilson (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens

Whish-Wilson argued that plastic pollution poses significant environmental and human health risks, citing research linking microplastics to increased cancer rates in youth. The senator noted widespread public demand for action, referencing the reaction to the REDcycle program failure. Whish-Wilson contended that effective solutions require regulating producers to manage product end-of-life, rather than placing responsibility solely on consumers. The senator warned that industry lobbyists were obstructing binding regulations in favour of voluntary measures. Whish-Wilson questioned Australia's credibility in advocating for a global treaty without implementing similar binding laws domestically.