Thanks to more than 20,379 ocean lovers, we sent a clear message to the Federal Environment Minister: we need a mandatory plastic packaging reduction target to protect our incredible marine creatures.
On Friday 14 June 2024, we met with Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to hand her a 20,379+ strong petition calling for a plastic packaging reduction target of 20% by 2030. Around 40 passionate locals braved the rain and cold winds at Coogee Beach in Sydney where we handed over our petition, cleaned 25 kg of rubbish from the beach, and learned how to sample for microplastic pollution.
With so many ocean lovers signing the petition, we were able to show the Federal Environment Minister just how much support there is for plastic packaging reduction. We couldn’t have done it without each and every signature.
Sydney locals braved the cold and rain to hand a petition to Tanya Plibersek at Coogee Beach.
Photo credit: Sea Shepherd Australia.
Addressing the group of passionate ocean-lovers who represented thousands of Australians calling for action on plastic pollution, Minister Plibersek assured us “the Australian Government is absolutely committed to reducing the use of plastic packaging”.
It’s clear the Australian Government is listening to the ongoing pressure from our community who are calling on them to take the critical action needed to cut plastic packaging 20% by 2030.
(L-R) Jeff Angel (Boomerang Alliance), Cip Hamilton (Australian Marine Conservation Society), Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, and Karolina Strittmatter (Sea Shepherd Australia) at Coogee Beach, Sydney. Our 3 organisations joined forces to deliver these signatures to Minister Plibersek.
What happens next?
The Federal Environment Minister will table the petition at parliament – this means it will become part of official records.
The Minister will also consider the packaging reduction target as part of future policies. Thanks to everyone who signed, we’ve shown just how much demand there is to reduce plastic at the source, to protect our precious oceans and marine life.
This is how your signature is making a difference.