Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Ruston, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 29 May 2026:

The impact of microplastics, toxins and forever chemicals on human health, with particular reference to:

(a) the impact of microplastics, toxins and forever chemicals on reproductive health, including:

(i) women's fertility, hormonal disorders, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and premature menopause,

(ii) in utero transmission of microplastics and the impact on placental function and foetal development,

(iii) maternal health, including impacts on pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage, preterm birth and still birth, and

(iv) fertility impacts across all populations, including men's fertility;

(b) disruption of key developmental pathways in the first 1,000 days of life that significantly impact later-life health outcomes like obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cognitive function;

(c) cardiovascular impacts, including links between microplastic accumulation in arterial plaque and increased risks of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular mortality;

(d) links between endocrine disrupters and increased rates of cancer in young people, fertility issues, hormone dysregulation, respiratory diseases, inflammatory conditions and immune system dysfunction;

(e) the effectiveness of any education or informative efforts to notify the public of potential harms and prevention opportunities;

(f) the potential benefits of a national standard for consumer products;

(g) protocols and policies of other countries which have proven to be effective;

(h) the adequacy of current research, monitoring and measurement standards for microplastic contamination in Australia; and

(i) any other related matter.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this referral. The Senate recently reappointed a select committee on PFAS with a similar remit as the inquiry being proposed by Senator Ruston. This includes the health, environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts of PFAS. Similarly, the House Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water only recently reported in May 2024 on the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and extensively canvassed the impact of microplastic pollution on human health. The Senate should have time to consider the findings of its existing work before commissioning further referrals on related issues.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 3 standing in the name of Senator Ruston be agreed to.