In June 2023, The Hon. Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, delivered an unforgettable speech at the launch of Seamless, the National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme.
During her powerful speech, Minister Plibersek championed a future without clothing waste, highlighting the staggering 200,000 tonnes of clothing dumped in Australian landfill each year.
“Australians are buying more clothes than ever. We’re wearing those clothes for less time than we used to, and we’re sending more clothing to landfill than we ever have, which means that clothing is now a significant part of Australia’s waste problem.”
Minister Plibersek issued a clear directive to clothing retailers that the Seamless voluntary scheme would be mandated if not taken up by enough businesses in the future.
“If the voluntary scheme is not viable – if we don’t believe it’s sufficient, or if it’s not raising enough money to cover its costs – then I will regulate.”
The Minister’s message was also accepted at a national meeting of environment ministers which was held on 9 June 2023.
Watch Minister Plibersek’s inspiring speech in full, as recorded by ABC News.
