In the Upper House, Environment Minister Gail Gago has introduced legislation to ban ‘lightweight’ plastic bags from 1 January next year. Shops such as supermarkets using lightweight plastic bags must offer alternatives. Plastic bags not banned include ‘bags on a roll’ as found in fruit and vegetable stalls, heavier bags used by boutiques and department stores, and bags meeting composting standards. There will be a four-month phasing in period before fines could be imposed of up to $5,000.