SA: New laws to forge environmental resolution

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2008
SA: New laws to forge environmental resolution

By Larine Statham

ADELAIDE, Dec 30 AAP - South Australia will begin the New Year with a long awaited
environmental resolution - phasing out the use of plastic bags.

From January 1, South Australians will have to bring their own reusable bags every
time they go shopping.

Plastic bags will still be available until a complete ban is enforced on May 4 next
year, but as the bags are phased out all retailers will be required to provide alternatives
for shoppers to carry their goods.

South Australia is the first state in the country to introduce the ban.

Environment and conservation minister Jay Weatherill said 90 per cent of people supported
the ban.

"Most people have been bringing their own bags for more than a year," he said.

While some people view the "BYO bags" as an inconvenience, January 1 will mean a reduction
in other ongoing household hassles, such as the red tape associated with development and
planning approval.

South Australian home renovators, in most cases, in 2009 will no longer be required
to gain council approval for pergolas, sheds and shade sails.

On another domestic front, new legislation in South Australia will require teenagers
to "learn or earn" until the age of 17.

Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said research had shown that young people who learned
for longer were far more likely to find good jobs and earn more money.

"We want people to understand that doesn't mean full time schooling," she said.

"A student could be at TAFE, doing an apprenticeship or undertaking some other form of training.

"What this new law essentially means is that leaving school to do nothing is no longer
an option."

January 1 will also mark the start of tough regulations on the transportation of dangerous
goods to bring the requirements in line with nationally-agreed legislation.

The new rules set out the responsibilities of anyone transporting dangerous goods in
the areas of licensing, packaging, labelling, placarding, stowage, documentation, insurance
and emergency procedures.

To assist the industry to comply with the new road and rail transportation regulations
there will be a transition period of 12 months to December 31 2009.

AAP lcs/ldj

KEYWORD: CHANGES SA

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