Federal Parliament Commences Autumn Sittings in Canberra as Territory Government Targets Single-Use Plastics

Federal Parliament Returns to Session as ACT Government Targets New Plastic Bans

Political activity in the nation’s capital intensifies today, Tuesday, 3 March 2026, as both chambers of the Federal Parliament resume their autumn sittings. While the ACT Legislative Assembly is not scheduled to sit until later this month, local governance remains a focal point with the launch of a significant environmental policy initiative and a series of high-profile events at Parliament House.

Federal Sittings and Legislative Focus

The House of Representatives and the Senate are both in session today, marking the beginning of a critical three-day block of parliamentary business. Key agenda items for the federal session include the continuation of debates surrounding international security and national infrastructure spending. This follows a heated session in the Senate yesterday, where a Coalition motion regarding overseas diplomatic relations was debated. Observers expect today’s proceedings to focus heavily on domestic economic stability following recent assessments from international financial institutions regarding public project cost overruns and territory debt levels.

ACT Government Moves on Single-Use Plastics

On the local front, the ACT Government has officially entered a new phase of its environmental strategy today. Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr, has opened a formal consultation period following the release of a discussion paper titled "A Circular Future for the ACT: Problematic Products and Single-Use Plastic Reduction." This document serves as the foundation for a new round of community and industry engagement aimed at phasing out 14 categories of plastic items that frequently end up in Canberra’s waterways and landfill.

• Takeaway coffee cups, lids, and plugs.
• Produce stickers and plastic barrier bags used in grocery stores.
• Plastic confetti, pizza savers, and lolly sticks.
• Cigarette filters and plastic bread bag tags.

The government is actively seeking feedback from local businesses and residents on the feasibility of transitioning to sustainable alternatives. Minister Orr emphasized that the move is a core component of the Territory's commitment to the Circular Economy Act 2023, aiming to make reusable products the standard across the ACT.

Democracy and the Night Sky

Beyond the legislative chambers, the Parliament House precinct is hosting the Enlighten Festival today. This evening, the building’s facade will be transformed by the "Democracy!" projection, an art installation celebrating civic participation and the shared responsibility of the Australian democratic system. Additionally, the front lawn of Parliament House will serve as a community hub tonight for a total lunar eclipse viewing. The public event, scheduled to begin around 8:50 PM, combines scientific interest with the festival’s official illuminations, rounding out a busy day of political and civic activity in the capital.