Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Summary

Packaging companies, importers and distributors will become legally responsible for managing the packaging they sell in Australia through a new national Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, replacing the current voluntary system that hasn't worked. The Environment Minister must create rules under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 within three months to set mandatory targets and standards — including requirements to reduce packaging, use recycled materials, and follow eco-design principles. This fixes a decade-long problem where Australia's states started creating their own separate rules because the federal government delayed action, recyclers faced collapse from inconsistent packaging standards, and companies were free to ignore national recycling targets without penalty.

What happens at this stage

The main debate on whether the chamber supports the broad purpose of the bill. Members speak to its overall merits and concerns rather than the fine print. The government outlines its policy intentions; the opposition and crossbench put their case. This is the stage that determines whether the bill proceeds at all.

Next: Consideration in Detail (House) or Committee of the Whole (Senate), where the bill is examined clause by clause