The Queensland Government has tabled its response to a Parliamentary Inquiry into the state’s Container Refund Scheme, supporting either fully or in principle, 20 or the 21 inquiry’s recommendations.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell said the Government’s formal response ruled out one recommendation on the basis it risked Queenslanders being hit with extra costs.
Mr Powell said the Government had carefully worked through the Inquiry’s damning findings.
“The Parliamentary Inquiry delivered a damning indictment on how this schemewas established andallowed to operate under the former Labor Government,” he said.
“Queenslanders support the Container Refund Scheme, and so do we – but the governance failures under Labor exposed by this Inquiry could not be ignored.
“Labor set this scheme up and then walked away from it. They failed to fix problems as they emerged and allowed serious issues to fester.
“That is why the Crisafulli Government has tabled its response and introduced legislation to strengthen oversight, boost transparency and ensure the scheme delivers the recycling outcomes Queenslanders expect.”
The response outlines the following:
- Stronger governance of the Scheme, with increased oversight of the board;
- Greater transparency, with strategic and operational plans to be made public;
- Clarity that the Scheme coordinator functions include investment in strategic recycling infrastructure;
- Cost relief for small Queensland businesses, including exempting small beverage manufacturers – such as micro‑breweries and distilleries – from Scheme contributions for their first 20,000 containers.
The Inquiry marked the first comprehensive review of the scheme since its establishment in 2017 and exposed serious governance concerns, including allegations of bullying, intimidation and potential corrupt conduct, with matters referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission.
The Government says the Waste Reduction and Recycling (Strengthening the Container Refund Scheme) Amendment Bill 2026 delivers on the State Government’s commitment to restore integrity to the scheme by strengthening governance arrangements, boosting transparency and improving performance.
