Thank you for your representation on behalf of your constituent concerning support for local waste initiatives.
The regulation and management of waste and resource recovery in Australia is primarily the responsibility of state and territory governments. Local governments also have responsibility for providing household waste collection and recycling services, managing and operation landfill sites, and providing and maintaining litter infrastructure. This includes the primary responsibility for contracting service providers.
The Australian Government's (the Government) role in waste management and recycling includes ensuring our international obligations are met, and providing effective national leadership and coordination.
On 7 December 2018, all of Australia's environment ministers set a new unified direction for waste and recycling, agreeing to a new National Waste Policy. The Policy is based on circular economy principles, recognising the economic and job opportunities in re-circulating valuable resources within Australian economy. It includes strategies to reduce waste generated and improve resource recovery. The Policy is available at: www.environment.gov.au/waste.
Ministers also agreed to the urgent development of a strong National Action Plan to implement the Nation Waste Policy. The Plan will include targets and milestones to drive action, and it will address waste priorities including support for industry development. By implementing the Policy we will create new industries, markets and uses for waste in Australia. The Government is now coordinating preparations of the National Action Plan.
Thank you for bringing - - - - concerns to my attention.
Yours sincerely
Melissa Price.
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