Many states and territories now have, or are developing, circular economy strategies,47 and a circular economy forms a central part of the National Waste Policy.48
Waste management became an area of Australian Government responsibility in 2019. For most of Australia's history, federal governments have not been involved in waste management policy, so this move signalled a positive recognition of the area's importance.
However, there needs to be better coordination and standardisation across the country to achieve the vision outlined in the National Waste Policy of reducing waste by 10% per capita by 2030.
A coordinated approach to developing and implementing waste policy and regulation across the nation is needed for broader adoption of circular economy principles. With significant industry evolution underway and the opportunity to increase sector employment, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment should highlight best practice and drive policy leadership to coordinate Australia's transition to a circular economy.
" A coordinated approach to developing and implementing waste policy and regulation across the nation is needed for broader adoption of circular economy principles. "
One pressing area is rolling out the National Plastics Plan. This endorses targets for reducing or recycling a range of plastic and packaging types by 2025 but provides no guidance to industry on differing requirements and timelines between states and territories.49