South Australia has become the first state to ban single-use plastics in Australia, but the new rules will not come into effect until next year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Legislation banning the sale, supply and distribution of plastic products like straws, cutlery and beverage stirrers passed the State Parliament today.
The Government had flagged its intention to ban the products by the middle of this year but that was delayed due to the pandemic.
It now says the ongoing impacts of coronavirus on businesses will see the rules come into force in 2021.
More bans likely
State Environment Minister David Speirs said plastic items would be banned in a staged approach, with the aim of removing them altogether.
"We want to deal with the low-hanging fruit in the first few months, that's drink stirrers, cutlery, straws, then next year we'll move onto takeaway containers," Mr Speirs said.
"Then we'll be looking at coffee cups, fruit and veg barrier bags.
"Over the next couple of years I think we'll move quickly towards being single-use plastic free, there's a real hunger in the community."
He said consumers had demanded environmentally friendly alternatives for some time, with businesses well prepared to manage the change already.
SA 'ahead of the curve'
The Australian Marine Conservation Society's Shane Cucow said the decision cemented South Australia's place as a leader in the fight against plastics.
"SA has long been ahead of the curve on plastics," Mr Cucow said.
"They were the first state or territory to introduce a container deposit scheme way back in 1977 and the first to ban plastic bags in 2009."
He said the move could encourage other jurisdictions to do the same, with Queensland currently debating new laws.
"It could be just this week that we see another state ticked off the list," he said.
"It's a really exciting time."
