PLASTIC BAGS

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (14:37): As a supplementary question—

The Hon. R.I. Lucas interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. Gago: I'm not worried about my chin!

The Hon. R.I. Lucas interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Ms Bressington has a supplementary question.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: I do.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: Given the war on plastic bags that we will be waging, is the government intending to do anything about disposable nappies? Does it have an environmental impact study on that issue, that particular type of plastic, and the environmental damage they do?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) (14:38): A number of waste matters are being investigated and we are looking at alternatives. Nappies, particularly the disposable nappies, are a challenge for us. During my trip to Europe last year one place we visited was a recycling facility that made completely compostable baby disposable nappies, as well as a range of other items. They made them from 100 per cent compostable items, such as cornstarch and potatoes. Alternatives are out there, but they are very expensive at the moment. We are exploring a range of options with respect to better disposal and alternatives which we might use and which might be more environmentally friendly.