Retailers Association slams plastic bag levy legislation
Friday, 16 May 2008
James Thomson
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has slammed the Green Party’s plastic bag levy legislation, which was re-introduced to the Senate’s list of matters to consider yesterday by Senator Bob Brown.
The legislation calls for a 25c levy to be placed on plastic bags, but ARA executive director Richard Evans said a levy on bags would effectively increase grocery bills.
"Rather than favouring an increase in grocery prices, perhaps the Greens should allow the retail industry to continue to work with the Government to resolve the complex issue of plastic bags and their supposed impact upon the environment.
“Introducing a levy on plastic bags will increase grocery prices and working families do not want that. The Greens are obviously out of touch with the needs of working families,” Evans said.
It is not clear when the legislation will be debated, although a spokesman for Brown says he is keen to pursue the matter.