PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:12): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question regarding the use of single-use plastic bags in shopping centres.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: Supermarket customers are now routinely paying 15¢ to buy thick plastic, so-called re-usable bags each time they go shopping, most of which, according to one study I have seen, are never actually re-used. This makes very questionable the initial concept that passed through this place some time ago with the aim of reducing plastic bag so-called waste in the environment. My questions are:

1. Is it not a fact that many so-called re-usable bags are being used once, and does the government have any data to support or counter this claim?

2. What proof does the government have that plastic bag use has actually reduced following the legislation that passed through this place some time ago?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:13): I thank the honourable member for his most excellent question on re-usable plastic bags sold by shops for 15¢ a piece. I will take the question to the responsible minister in the other place, the Hon. Mr Paul Caica, and bring back a response.