04 December 2024

I'm disappointed that negotiators didn’t reach an agreement at the plastic pollution treaty talks in the Republic of Korea this past weekend.

Australia came with ambition to finalise a strong global treaty, and we’ve played a key role throughout these negotiations.

Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem and we will keep working for a global agreement that tackles plastic pollution at the global level.

When the Albanese Government was elected, we joined the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution and we will continue to work with other nations, business, ENGO’s and civil society in pursuit of our common ambitions.

Plastic production is set to triple by 2060, and experts predict plastics in oceans could outweigh fish by 2050—making this treaty critical, especially for Pacific Island countries.

We’re working towards an agreement that globally bans problematic plastics and harmful chemicals, creates universal standards and ends plastic pollution by 2040.

At home, we’re acting now by boosting domestic recycling capacity, phasing out single-use plastics and transforming packaging regulations.

Australia remains committed to securing this deal in future talks.

 

END