Producers and consumers to pay for wine bottles in container deposit schemes

Australian Grape & Wine (AGW) CEO Lee McLean has strongly condemned the Queensland Government’s decision to expand the container deposit scheme (CDS) to include wine bottles.

AGW says the government’s plan will do nothing to increase glass recycling but cost Australia's winemakers $20 million annually potentially rising to $100 million if other states follow suit.

The wine industry has been vocal about how expanding the CDS to include glass wine bottles would adversely impact the back pockets of producers and consumers.

In late 2022, McLean and others expressed concerns when the Western Australian and Queensland Governments opened a public consultation to expand their consumer deposit schemes. At the time, McLean said while the AGW firmly favoured improving glass recycling in Australia, but the CDS could cost the Australian wine sector $100 million annually if taken nationally.

Member for Orange, Philip Donato, delivered a notice of motion to the NSW Parliament at the time calling for the government to reach a solution saying there's been a lack of consultation from the EPA with the wine industry,  the bulk of which is regional-based and bearing financial impost due to lack of consideration.

“Make no mistake, Queenslanders will pay more for wine under the Palaszczuk Government,” says McLean.

"This will not lead to a discernable increase in recycling, and it will not lead to a more circular economy. What it will lead to is an increase in the cost of wine at every pub, club, restaurant and bottle shop in Queensland and an increase in carbon emissions.

"This is a bad outcome that could not come at a worse time for our industry. Australia's grape growers and winemakers are doing it tough. In recent years we have faced challenges of fires, smoke, hail, frost, poor fruit set, COVID-19 and the loss of our biggest export market. What we need from the government is support, not another kick in the guts.

"This government has engaged in a sham consultation with a pre-determined outcome. They do not understand business and have no idea of the administrative burden of implementing such a change at such short notice. They do not appreciate the impacts this will have on not just Queensland businesses but businesses across the country.

"Queenslanders aren't stupid; they know this is nothing more than a superficial attempt by this government to increase their environmental credentials in the lead-up to an election. The Palaszczuk Government must release a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that will show what this policy will cost and whether it will lead to a meaningful increase in glass recycling," Mr McLean concluded.