By Annette Shailer
NSW Premier Nathan Rees’ ban on all NSW Government departments and agencies purchasing bottled water could lead to testing times for the $500m bottled water industry.
Rees’ Wednesday (Jul 8) announcement to reduce bottled water consumption is aimed at benefiting the environment and economy.
“This represents a saving for taxpayers and it makes sense for those who consume the water,” Rees said. “After all, our tap water is among the best in the world and tastes even better.”
The Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI) CEO, Geoff Parker, expressed disappointment at the move, which will affect small businesses in particular.
“The domino effect of this decision on company owners, workers and families of local NSW bottlers, their suppliers and small business retailers who stock and sell the products could be devastating,” Parker said.
“ABS figures just released show that NSW continued to record the highest jobless rate, rising to 6.5 per cent in June from 6.4 per cent in May. In a month when Australia shed 22,000 fulltime jobs the NSW Government should be encouraging small business not hurting it.”