The Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, met his state and territory counterparts in Melbourne yesterday, but they failed to reach an agreement on appropriate action to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags.

Tasmania’s Minister, Michelle O’Byrne, says that despite Tasmania being ready for phasing out the use of plastic bags and introducing a levy, it would be unfair on Tasmanians if the decision was not nationally supported.

Greens Deputy leader, Nick McKim, says Tasmania should act anyway.

“It’s well beyond time for Tasmania, the clean, green state to show some leadership,” he said