Australia’s Federal and State Environment Ministers met in June to progress the development of the National Circular Economy Framework. The framework, which is a collaborative initiative between the Commonwealth Government and States is intended to see jurisdictions working with the private sector to design out waste and pollution, keep materials in use and foster markets to achieve a circular economy by 2030. The framework will be finalised by December 2024.

Other key developments included:

• Ministerial concurrence to encourage the development of stronger end markets for recycled products. A priority list of materials or products will be identified for consideration at the next meeting of environment ministers. Victoria will lead this work.
• Noting progress on the new national packaging regulatory scheme, which is expected to cover design requirements, including recyclability, recycled content requirements and the designing out chemicals.
• Agreement to accelerate work towards product stewardship for all batteries jointly led by QLD, NSW and Victoria and that work on product stewardship including a draft Regulatory Impact Statement will be undertaken by December 2024.

Full details of Environment Ministers Meeting Communique 21 June 2024 can be found here: emm-communique-21-june-2024.pdf (dcceew.gov.au)