Australia has joined 96 nations in a global initiative to combat plastic pollution at the United Nations Oceans Conference held in Nice, France, from June 9 to June 13, 2025.

The conference highlighted the alarming reality that approximately 130,000 tonnes of plastic waste leaks into the marine environment each year, underscoring the urgent need for stronger recycling and waste management policies.

The majority of Australia's plastic waste comes from imported plastic, prompting the government to scrutinize packaging imports from major brands.

Predictions indicate that by 2025, 99% of seabirds globally will have ingested plastic, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive policy reform to address the plastic crisis.

Environment Minister Murray Watt emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle.

Watt noted that Australia imports about 60% of the plastic used in its economy, and the treaty could help ensure that these imports are designed for recycling.

Despite banning certain problematic plastics, Australia seeks a coordinated global approach to significantly enhance its recycling rates, which have stagnated at 12.5% since 2017.

The World Wide Fund for Nature has criticized the proposed global plastic pollution treaty as insufficient, urging for more specific and binding measures to effectively tackle the crisis.

The joint declaration signed by 95 countries outlines five key points aimed at creating an effective international treaty on plastics, including reducing primary plastic production and establishing legally binding obligations for problematic plastics.

During his first international engagement as Minister, Watt announced Australia's financial support for an Australian Nation Decade Committee to promote sustainable ocean management.

Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, highlighted the severe impact of plastic pollution on oceans, particularly the Mediterranean Sea, and called for international cooperation to protect marine environments.

The conference aims to mobilize a diverse group of stakeholders, including heads of state, scientists, and civil society, to adopt an action plan for the ocean akin to the Paris Agreement for climate change.