Opened the debate
Hodgins-May argued that the government had reversed its position on implementing a federally mandated packaging scheme, despite overwhelming support from environmental groups, recyclers, and businesses. Hodgins-May contended that the current voluntary system had failed, citing that only 86 per cent of packaging was reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, against a target of 100 per cent, and only 20 per cent of plastic packaging was recycled, against a target of 70 per cent. The senator asserted that producers should bear responsibility for their packaging from cradle to grave, rather than shifting costs to households through council rates or damaging the environment. Hodgins-May noted that even APCO, the organisation driving packaging targets, now advocated for nationally consistent regulation and extended producer responsibility. Hodgins-May also raised concerns about the influence of Pratt Holdings, a major corporate donor owning Visy, which had opposed mandatory reform, suggesting this may have impacted the government's policy direction.