The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has recently released the Draft National Waste Policy Framework: Less waste more resources Discussion Paper for public comment http://www.environment.gov.au/wastepolicy/consultation/pubs/draft-framework.pdf

The Discussion Paper presents the draft framework, which includes aims, a vision, principles, themes and key directions for the public to comment on. Ideas are also being sought from the public on priority strategies and actions that could effect improvements within each of the key themes identified in the draft framework. The discussion paper reflects the contributions of the previous consultation process held earlier this year.

The seven high level themes of the framework, together with a number of key directions for change will be used to guide the development of specific strategies and actions. The seven key themes are: taking responsibility; improving the market; pursuing sustainability; facilitating investment; reducing hazards; reporting on performance and tailoring solutions.

AMTA, on behalf of its members, made a submission on the National Waste Policy: Managing Waste to 2020 ‐ Consultation Paper earlier this year and will also be responding to the draft framework consultation paper, which is due on 31 July. The response will focus on ideas and strategies and actions that could deliver improvements within the seven themes, in particular “taking responsibility” (i.e. product stewardship) and “reducing hazards”.

The comments from this round will be used to inform the ongoing development of the Framework including objectives, strategies and actions for each theme. Expected outcomes, responsibility and timelines for each strategy and action will also be established. From this a draft National Waste Policy will be considered by the Environment Protection and heritage Council in November 2009.