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Australia will move towards nationally consistent rules on single-use plastic items, as NSW prepares to strip shelves of plastic straws, cutlery and cotton buds next week.
The decision to develop consistent rules across jurisdictions was made at a meeting of state and territory environment ministers following concern from retail groups that state-based bans were a headache for businesses.
From November 1, NSW will ban the sale of single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery; bowls and plates; expanded polystyrene food service items; and plastic cotton buds and microbeads in personal care.
Matt Romania
Jennifer Harrison
Jonathan Chrimes