Legislation & Policy
SAVE JOBS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Blanket bans on balloons and changes to legislation and policy are occurring at local, state and corporate levels without adequate consultation with the balloon industry. This is impacting on industry jobs and livelihoods are at risk.
PEBA supports effective changes to legislation that will ban the deliberate release of balloons in order to prevent littering and reduce environmental impact. We do not support the call to ban the sale and use of all balloons.
Greater consultation with all stakeholders, including environmental groups is required to develop policies that are environmentally responsible, are commensurate with the actual level of impact and do not unnecessarily deprive balloon artists and small business owners of their livelihoods.
Consultation with the Federal Department of the Environment confirms that there is currently no federal legislation against litter as the Federal Government is not authorised to legislate on the subject under the Australian Constitution. Legislation relating to litter is therefore considered the responsibility of either states, territories or local governments.
With 8 States and Territories and over 540 Local Government Areas, the current situation in Australia makes for an adhoc and inconsistent approach to dealing with balloon releases and the use of balloons. This is resulting in some states continuing to allow releases and some local councils banning the use of balloons altogether.
PEBA is working on lobbying state governments to make an amendment to their Litter Act banning the deliberate release of balloons. The aim is to achieve effective and consistent laws that will help to ensure the future of our industry.
THE SOLUTION IS TO BAN DELIBERATE BALLOON RELEASES,
NOT BALLOONS.
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