The Australian Productivity Commission’s recently released inquiry into the circular economy indicates that Australia’s efforts seem to be slowing down rather than expanding. A circular economy seeks to utilise materials and products more sustainably and efficiently by designing products to require fewer materials, prolonging product lifespans through reuse and repair, and recycling and recovering materials to minimise waste.
“Innovative sustainable practices, like prefabrication in construction, using organic waste to create energy, and repurposing old mine sites, are sometimes being stymied by out-of- date or overly complex regulation. Governments need to ensure that rules and guidelines support a safe shift to a more circular approach,” said Commissioner Alison Roberts.
Circular economy practices aren't new in Australia. For over 60,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have maintained deep cultural, social, environmental, spiritual, and economic connections to Country, with their knowledge and practices sustaining its health. These holistic, place-based understandings that emphasise connections and relationships make a significant contribution to concepts like the circular economy.
Some governments have policies that encourage the integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and support their involvement in circular economy opportunities in ways that benefit communities while respecting cultural and intellectual property rights. Nevertheless, in practice, governments still have a long way to go in fostering genuine partnerships to achieve these goals.
Today, the inconsistent regulations across governments create barriers to circular economy practices. At present, states and territories have varying rules regarding e-waste disposal, the use of recycled materials in construction, and kerbside recycling, among others. “Inconsistencies in regulations between governments are a recipe for red tape and frustration for businesses and consumers that can slow the uptake of circular practices. Getting governments on the same page will make sustainable choices cheaper and easier for everyone,” said Dr Roberts.
As Australia’s export partners rapidly decarbonise their supply chains, now is the time for the government to invest in the future of local workers and businesses by supporting green industry and technology. Australia must be regarded as serious about future-proofing our industries and economy and substantial in its commitments to reduce climate pollution.
The transition to clean energy is well underway, and there’s no turning back. By investing in green jobs and industries now, and by increasing the rollout of renewable energy supported by storage, we can establish a world-leading green economy, safeguard our precious natural environment, and bolster global efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
The growing challenge of e-waste highlights the significance of circular economy practices. Materials found in most white goods, electronics, solar panels, and battery systems can be valuable when recovered appropriately. The government can facilitate cross-industry solutions to the e-waste issue that could benefit both the economy and the environment.
The circular economy relies on connections – whether between researchers and industry or between businesses. These connections can span across Australia or be concentrated in circular economy precincts or regions that can create benefits for local communities.
'In cities and regions, we heard about businesses working together to develop new circular economy ideas, turn waste into wealth, and save on costs such as transport. The PC is considering ways for governments to enable these connections between organisations both close to and far from each other,' said Commissioner Chong.
The Australian and global metals industries also face considerable uncertainty–from short– term trade disruptions to the longer-term challenge of decarbonisation. This highlights that governments and industry must work together to ensure that unsustainable levels of red, green and grey tape do not cripple Australian sectors.
Paul Hellard
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