THE plastic bag ban comes in today and ACT Liberals say the ban will only cause inconvenience for businesses and shoppers with little or no environmental gain.

“While we support sensible environmental measures, we always have to be careful not to let rhetoric rule logic,” Leader of the Opposition Zed Seselja said.

“The benefits of the ban will no doubt be touted today, but we must keep an eye on reality.

“For example, the ban means people will be charged for heavy-duty plastic bags which are likely worse for the environment.

“In South Australia, bin liner sales have doubled the national average since free plastic shopping bags were banned more than two years ago.

“When asked whether shopping bags were an environmental issue, our own local Environmental Protection Agency responded they ‘cannot say it has been one of any great significance.’

“Britain’s Environmental Agency found that shoppers would have to use the same cotton bag every working day for a year to have a lesser impact than a lightweight plastic bag.

“The Productivity Commission found that ‘based on the evidence available to the Commission, it appears that the Australian, State and Territory Governments do not have a sound case for proceeding with their proposed phase out of plastic retail carry bags.’

“Yet despite these facts, the ban will be met with the severest of penalties. For example, shopkeepers who don’t charge for bags can be fined $27,500 – as big a criminal offence as selling alcohol to a minor or taking a minor to a brothel.”