Public Consultation

Considering the addition of nine chemicals to the Stockholm Convention

As a party to the Stockholm Convention, Australia accepted obligations relating to the twelve initial Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) chemicals when it ratified the Convention. At its next meeting in May 2009, the Stockholm Conference of Parties (COP) will consider the recommendations of the Persistent Organic Pollutant Review Committee (POPRC) for the listing of nine additional chemicals in the Convention. The Australian Government will need to decide if it can support the listing of the nine additional chemicals in the Convention.

POPs are chemicals that are toxic, persist in the environment, accumulate in the food chain and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment even at low concentrations. The Australian Government is committed to protecting people and the environment from potential hazards associated with POPs and as such the inclusion of these nine additional chemicals will demonstrate Australia's commitment to an effective and balanced approach to an environmental problem of concern to all countries.

Regulation Impact Statement

The Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) that has been drafted explores the associated costs and benefits to Australia of listing these nine additional chemicals on the Convention.