Member Matters

Environment Ministers Meeting Outcomes

23 September 2026

Environment Ministers met on 18 September to progress a national agenda covering environmental protection, nature restoration, climate resilience and circular economy reform.

Ministers did not agree to introduce a new Extended Producer Responsibility scheme or standalone packaging regulation. Instead, packaging reform remains an urgent priority, with officials asked to work with industry, local government and other stakeholders on options to strengthen the existing co-regulatory arrangements and develop a future packaging reform plan. These arrangements currently include the Used Packaging Materials National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) and the Australian Packaging Covenant. Ministers also agreed to progress the Circular Economy Roadmap and further work on product stewardship and national harmonisation, including soft plastics. The work will return to the next Environment Ministers’ Meeting.

The AFGC has recently engaged directly with the Federal Minister for the Environment, Minister Watt’s office, and has been asked to take a leading role in supporting the government as it develops future legislation on packaging reform.

To read more, see the full Member Brief.

To discuss further, please contact Sarah Collier, Director – Membership & Sustainability