I contribute to debate on the Protection of the Environment Operations Amendment (Balloons) Bill 2024. I share the concerns of the member for Balmain, the member for Newtown and the member for Ballina, but I do not support the bill because the New South Wales Government is progressing action now to address unnecessary and problematic plastics, including lighter‑than‑air balloon releases. We agree with the sentiment, but we need wide consultation with the community, industry, businesses and local government. Plastic items are ever present in our day-to-day lives. Action to tackle unnecessary and problematic plastics and reduce plastic waste will have far-reaching impacts on members of the community and businesses in New South Wales. I do not support the bill because we need a considered, methodical and holistic approach. That is what is needed to ensure we consider the views of the public and key stakeholders, weigh our options carefully and take action to deliver the best outcomes for the environment, communities and businesses in New South Wales.

To that end, in October 2023 the Minister for the Environment released theNSW Plastics: Next Steps issues paper seeking feedback from the people of New South Wales on action targeting problematic and unnecessary plastic items. That included potential action to phase out the release of any number of lighter-than-air balloon releases. After a 14-week consultation period, the Environment Protection Authority [EPA] received over 5,000 submissions on theNSW Plastics: Next Steps paper, which is evidence of the level of public interest on the issue of unnecessary and problematic plastics. The EPA is now reviewing the feedback received and has been working closely with environmental, industry, business and government stakeholders to help inform our next steps on the problem of plastics.

We are on the same page. The New South Wales Government intends to release an action paper for further public consultation in the coming months with more detailed proposed actions, including in relation to lighter‑than‑air balloon releases. By including action on lighter-than-air balloon releases as part of the broader consultative approach to addressing problematic plastic items, we can be considered in the way we tackle balloons and balloon-related litter. That means considering the impacts of any action on the environment as well as on the community and on businesses. That is critical to designing the regulations that we need that will be fair and effective. It will provide the comprehensive reforms that have been mentioned earlier.

For example, when balloons are released into the environment, they can pose significant risks to the environment and to wildlife, and we have all seen those horrific photos. We know that balloons have had a place at birthday parties and sorrow-filled events. We need to listen to the perspectives of the public and other stakeholders to work through these issues and to get the balance right to avoid unintended consequences and deliver the best outcomes we can for the environment, communities and businesses. We are taking the time to engage with the community, stakeholders, industry and businesses to ensure that those who are impacted can understand the proposed changes and are supported to transition towards more sustainable alternatives to balloon releases. Successful implementation of a new regulation requires businesses and the community to be aware, be engaged and support it. In contrast, the proposed bill offers a standalone type of approach to regulating the release of lighter-than-air balloons. That does not take these ongoing consultative processes into account and nor does it offer any support for the community or businesses that need to change their ways.

The Government believes thorough public engagement is the best way to deliver fair and effective regulation. That is why I do not support the bill. I firmly thank the member for Balmain for her passion for, and commitment to, the environment, which the Government and I share. We look forward to working with her on the next steps.