WA Labor commits $750,000 to keep up nation-leading action on plastics

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will provide $750,000 to support the work of the globally recognised Plastic Free July campaign.
  • Re-elected Cook Labor Government to contribute $750,000 to Plastic Free July
  • Globally recognised campaign founded in Fremantle attracted 174 million participants last year
  • Commitment complements the Cook Labor Government’s nation-leading Plan for Plastics

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will provide $750,000 to support the work of the globally recognised Plastic Free July campaign.

Plastic Free July is an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, which was founded in Fremantle in 2011 and runs a range of initiatives to reduce plastic use.

In 2024, 174 million people participated in Plastic Free July.

WA Labor’s commitment of $250,000 per year, over three years, will enable the Plastic Free Foundation to continue its important work running the Plastic Free July campaign and other programs.

Ensuring the continuation of the Plastic Free July campaign is particularly important because of its reach. While it attracts individual participants, businesses and organisations typically also join in – engaging their employees and networks, announcing changes to products and packaging, and transforming their procurement and supply chains to reduce plastic waste.

WA Labor’s commitment builds on the Cook Labor Government’s nation-leading Plan for Plastics, which has seen single-use plastics such as bowls, plates, cutlery, straws, polystyrene food containers and microbeads banned.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

“Western Australia is now leading the nation in the fight against plastic waste, and we’re proud to support the continuation of the global force that is Plastic Free July."

“This globally recognised campaign helps millions of people make conscious changes about plastic use and reduce their waste, backing in the Cook Labor Government’s single-use plastic reforms.”

Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:

“Single-use plastics are a scourge on our environment and native wildlife, and we all have a role to play in reducing our use."

“Founded in Fremantle, the Plastic Free Foundation has been a leading agent to drive important behaviour change – particularly in young people – and we’re proud to make this $750,000 WA Labor commitment to ensure Plastic Free July’s continuation.”

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