ENVIRONMENT Minister David O'Byrne will take a proposal to implement a ban on lightweight plastic bags to cabinet.
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A Tasmanian Greens motion to ban non- biodegradable plastic bags received the support yesterday of both Labor and the Liberals in the House of Assembly.
"The government is committed to reducing the impact of lightweight plastic bags on the environment, addressing littering and to increasing resource recovery and recycling," Mr O'Byrne said.
"The government's preference has always been for a national approach to addressing plastic bags, but the Environment Protection and Heritage Council has been unable to reach a resolution."
Mr O'Byrne said the South Australian experience had shown that a transitional period and extensive education campaign were a key part of the success of such a ban.
"It would require legislation to be developed, and a phase-in time of between six and 12 months to allow for an adequate public awareness campaign, and for retailers to prepare," he said.
Tasmanian Greens environment spokeswoman Cassy O'Connor said the push for a ban was part of the Greens' broader waste campaign, which also included container deposit legislation.
She said the passing of the motions was a win for the environment, particularly for marine species that suffer when caught up in plastic.
Do Something! organisation founders and architects of the Coles Bay plastic bag ban, Ben Kearney and John Dee, welcomed the passing of the motion.