http://www.theage.com.au/national/water-pressure-brumby-asked-to-follow-nsw-bottle-ban-20090709-deem.html
Water pressure: Brumby asked to follow NSW bottle ban Claire Stapleton July 9, 2009 - 4:28PM The Victorian Government is under increasing pressure to follow the lead of NSW and ban bottled water in all State Government offices. Similar plans to boycott bottled water are growing in popularity throughout the nation. Green groups have called on Premier John Brumby to copy NSW Premier Nathan Rees, who announced today that he was banning his department's purchase of bottled water. But a spokeswoman for Brumby was non-committal when asked if the policy would cross the border, calling it an "interesting proposal". "Whilst the main source of water for Victorian Government departments is taps and water coolers, the Government is always looking for ways to improve its sustainability," the spokeswoman said. Environment Victoria spokesman Mark Wakeham has expressed support for the initiative, calling for further action from Premier Brumby. "We would encourage the Victorian Government to follow suit to place a ban on bottled water," Mr Wakeham said. "Melbourne has among the best-quality water supplies in the world, and bottling water is water-intensive and creates waste, so this is a great opportunity to prevent that." Mr Wakeham praised Mr Rees' action, saying: "In terms of setting a leadership example, what the NSW Government has done is significant". Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett weighed in on the topic this morning when he told ABC radio the move was one that other state governments should consider. "It's up to individual state governments to decide what positions they want to take, but I think Nathan (Rees) has done the right thing," he said. The town of Bundanoon in NSW's Southern Highlands made headlines around the world today, its move to progressively ban bottled water reported in British news organisations such as the Daily Mail, The Times, the BBC and USA Today's website. Grocers say Australians could turn to unhealthy drinks such as sugary soft drinks and juices if a bottled-water ban is rolled out throughout the country. The Australian Food and Grocery Council's chief executive Kate Carnell called the ban ludicrous, saying all consumers deserve the right to choose what they drink. With AAP [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
