Tasmania’s new container deposit scheme has kicked off, sparking fierce political debate over what Labor has dubbed “Rocky’s Beer Tax”.
The scheme, which aims to keep drink containers out of landfill, requires Tasmanians to pay an extra $6.50 for every 30-can block of beer, cider or soft drink purchased – more than double the refund they receive even if all containers are recycled.
Shadow Minister for Finance Luke Edmunds claimed the Liberal Government has delivered “the worst-designed and most expensive scheme in the country”.
“Let’s be clear: Labor supports container deposit schemes, but Jeremy Rockliff and the Liberals have delivered the worst-designed and most expensive scheme in the country,” Edmunds said.
Bottle shops across the state have reportedly displayed signs warning customers that the price increase isn’t their fault, but rather the government’s.
“The Premier had seven years to get this right. Instead, he’s dumped a rushed, overpriced, and poorly designed scheme on Tasmania that will hit families and increase red tape for businesses,” Edmunds said.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie hit back at criticism last week, accusing Labor of “crab walking” away from the initiative.
“We are delivering a scheme that all Tasmanians can benefit from, wherever they live, from the Tasman Peninsula to King and Flinders Islands,” she said.
Ogilvie defended the pricing structure, pointing to Tasmania’s unique challenges.
“Tasmania’s unique geography creates unique challenges, including a smaller container volume and population size; the transport of containers across Bass Strait; and our lack of access to the economies of scale enjoyed by mainland states.”
The minister said that approximately 40% of Tasmania’s smallest beverage companies would be exempt from scheme payments.
“All beverage companies will be exempt from paying into the scheme for their first 20,000 containers sold each year – a nation first,” Ogilvie said.
