Hammer falls on crypto ATMs over scams, laundering
Australian authorities are targeting cryptocurrency ATMs and tightening regulations amid reports of widespread scamming and money laundering.
Anti-money laundering regulator AUSTRAC has refused to renew a crypto ATM operator's licence and introduced transaction limited and tougher requirements to prevent cybercriminals from using the machines to extract money from victims.
Crypto ATMs allow people to buy cryptocurrency with cash and send tokens to a digital wallet.
Over several months, an AUSTRAC taskforce investigating their use uncovered activity linked to scams, fraud and other illegal ventures, the organisation's chief executive Brendan Thomas said.
"The taskforce has uncovered disturbing trends which have confirmed that cryptocurrency ATMs are being used for scam/fraud-related transactions," he said.
Analysis of data from nine crypto ATM providers found most users (79 per cent) were above 50 years old and 29 per cent of users were aged between 60 and 70.
"It is a huge concern that people in this demographic are over-represented as customers using cash to purchase cryptocurrency and, as evidence suggests, that a large number of 60 to 70 year old users are victims of scam activity."
The Australian Federal Police said Australia's online cybercrime reporting system had received 150 unique reports of scams using crypto ATMs in 2024, with estimated losses of more than $3.1 million.
While the figure was relatively small compared to the $119 million in total financial scam losses reported to Scamwatch in the first four months of 2025, the AFP believes crypto ATM scam losses are under-reported.
"Intelligence on crypto ATMs suggests everyday Australians are losing significant funds to crypto ATM scams, significantly more than is currently being reported to authorities," AFP Commander Graeme Marshall said.
"This could be because victims don't realise they've been the victim of a crime, they don't know how to report scam activity, or they feel embarrassed because they were scammed."
Australia has the third-most crypto ATMs in the world, behind the United States and Canada, with more than 1800 across the nation and increasing more than 15-fold in two years.
Around $275 million was moved through crypto ATMs nationally in 2024.
AUSTRAC's new measures, which include tougher diligence obligations, mandatory scam warnings and better transaction monitoring was a flashing red light for the sector, Swinburne University emerging technologies specialist Dimitrios Salampasis said.
"But beyond the numbers and policy responses lies a human tragedy that must not be ignored: the severe and often irreversible impact on scam victims - particularly the elderly," Professor Salampasis said.
"The elderly are disproportionately targeted by these sophisticated schemes being manipulated into draining their life savings through crypto ATMs under the illusion of helping a loved one, paying a false debt, or investing in a fake opportunity."
While AUSTRAC's measures were a good first step, Australia needed human-centred policy, real-time accountability, and a justice system that recognised the impact of cryptocurrency-enabled crime, Prof Salampsis said.
Australian authorities are targeting cryptocurrency ATMs and tightening regulations amid reports of widespread scamming and money laundering.
Anti-money laundering regulator AUSTRAC has refused to renew a crypto ATM operator's licence and introduced transaction limited and tougher requirements to prevent cybercriminals from using the machines to extract money from victims.
Crypto ATMs allow people to buy cryptocurrency with cash and send tokens to a digital wallet.
Over several months, an AUSTRAC taskforce investigating their use uncovered activity linked to scams, fraud and other illegal ventures, the organisation's chief executive Brendan Thomas said.
"The taskforce has uncovered disturbing trends which have confirmed that cryptocurrency ATMs are being used for scam/fraud-related transactions," he said.
Analysis of data from nine crypto ATM providers found most users (79 per cent) were above 50 years old and 29 per cent of users were aged between 60 and 70.
"It is a huge concern that people in this demographic are over-represented as customers using cash to purchase cryptocurrency and, as evidence suggests, that a large number of 60 to 70 year old users are victims of scam activity."
The Australian Federal Police said Australia's online cybercrime reporting system had received 150 unique reports of scams using crypto ATMs in 2024, with estimated losses of more than $3.1 million.
While the figure was relatively small compared to the $119 million in total financial scam losses reported to Scamwatch in the first four months of 2025, the AFP believes crypto ATM scam losses are under-reported.
"Intelligence on crypto ATMs suggests everyday Australians are losing significant funds to crypto ATM scams, significantly more than is currently being reported to authorities," AFP Commander Graeme Marshall said.
"This could be because victims don't realise they've been the victim of a crime, they don't know how to report scam activity, or they feel embarrassed because they were scammed."
Australia has the third-most crypto ATMs in the world, behind the United States and Canada, with more than 1800 across the nation and increasing more than 15-fold in two years.
Around $275 million was moved through crypto ATMs nationally in 2024.
AUSTRAC's new measures, which include tougher diligence obligations, mandatory scam warnings and better transaction monitoring was a flashing red light for the sector, Swinburne University emerging technologies specialist Dimitrios Salampasis said.
"But beyond the numbers and policy responses lies a human tragedy that must not be ignored: the severe and often irreversible impact on scam victims - particularly the elderly," Professor Salampasis said.
"The elderly are disproportionately targeted by these sophisticated schemes being manipulated into draining their life savings through crypto ATMs under the illusion of helping a loved one, paying a false debt, or investing in a fake opportunity."
While AUSTRAC's measures were a good first step, Australia needed human-centred policy, real-time accountability, and a justice system that recognised the impact of cryptocurrency-enabled crime, Prof Salampsis said.
Australian authorities are targeting cryptocurrency ATMs and tightening regulations amid reports of widespread scamming and money laundering.
Anti-money laundering regulator AUSTRAC has refused to renew a crypto ATM operator's licence and introduced transaction limited and tougher requirements to prevent cybercriminals from using the machines to extract money from victims.
Crypto ATMs allow people to buy cryptocurrency with cash and send tokens to a digital wallet.
Over several months, an AUSTRAC taskforce investigating their use uncovered activity linked to scams, fraud and other illegal ventures, the organisation's chief executive Brendan Thomas said.
"The taskforce has uncovered disturbing trends which have confirmed that cryptocurrency ATMs are being used for scam/fraud-related transactions," he said.
Analysis of data from nine crypto ATM providers found most users (79 per cent) were above 50 years old and 29 per cent of users were aged between 60 and 70.
"It is a huge concern that people in this demographic are over-represented as customers using cash to purchase cryptocurrency and, as evidence suggests, that a large number of 60 to 70 year old users are victims of scam activity."
The Australian Federal Police said Australia's online cybercrime reporting system had received 150 unique reports of scams using crypto ATMs in 2024, with estimated losses of more than $3.1 million.
While the figure was relatively small compared to the $119 million in total financial scam losses reported to Scamwatch in the first four months of 2025, the AFP believes crypto ATM scam losses are under-reported.
"Intelligence on crypto ATMs suggests everyday Australians are losing significant funds to crypto ATM scams, significantly more than is currently being reported to authorities," AFP Commander Graeme Marshall said.
"This could be because victims don't realise they've been the victim of a crime, they don't know how to report scam activity, or they feel embarrassed because they were scammed."
Australia has the third-most crypto ATMs in the world, behind the United States and Canada, with more than 1800 across the nation and increasing more than 15-fold in two years.
Around $275 million was moved through crypto ATMs nationally in 2024.
AUSTRAC's new measures, which include tougher diligence obligations, mandatory scam warnings and better transaction monitoring was a flashing red light for the sector, Swinburne University emerging technologies specialist Dimitrios Salampasis said.
"But beyond the numbers and policy responses lies a human tragedy that must not be ignored: the severe and often irreversible impact on scam victims - particularly the elderly," Professor Salampasis said.
"The elderly are disproportionately targeted by these sophisticated schemes being manipulated into draining their life savings through crypto ATMs under the illusion of helping a loved one, paying a false debt, or investing in a fake opportunity."
While AUSTRAC's measures were a good first step, Australia needed human-centred policy, real-time accountability, and a justice system that recognised the impact of cryptocurrency-enabled crime, Prof Salampsis said.
Australian authorities are targeting cryptocurrency ATMs and tightening regulations amid reports of widespread scamming and money laundering.
Anti-money laundering regulator AUSTRAC has refused to renew a crypto ATM operator's licence and introduced transaction limited and tougher requirements to prevent cybercriminals from using the machines to extract money from victims.
Crypto ATMs allow people to buy cryptocurrency with cash and send tokens to a digital wallet.
Over several months, an AUSTRAC taskforce investigating their use uncovered activity linked to scams, fraud and other illegal ventures, the organisation's chief executive Brendan Thomas said.
"The taskforce has uncovered disturbing trends which have confirmed that cryptocurrency ATMs are being used for scam/fraud-related transactions," he said.
Analysis of data from nine crypto ATM providers found most users (79 per cent) were above 50 years old and 29 per cent of users were aged between 60 and 70.
"It is a huge concern that people in this demographic are over-represented as customers using cash to purchase cryptocurrency and, as evidence suggests, that a large number of 60 to 70 year old users are victims of scam activity."
The Australian Federal Police said Australia's online cybercrime reporting system had received 150 unique reports of scams using crypto ATMs in 2024, with estimated losses of more than $3.1 million.
While the figure was relatively small compared to the $119 million in total financial scam losses reported to Scamwatch in the first four months of 2025, the AFP believes crypto ATM scam losses are under-reported.
"Intelligence on crypto ATMs suggests everyday Australians are losing significant funds to crypto ATM scams, significantly more than is currently being reported to authorities," AFP Commander Graeme Marshall said.
"This could be because victims don't realise they've been the victim of a crime, they don't know how to report scam activity, or they feel embarrassed because they were scammed."
Australia has the third-most crypto ATMs in the world, behind the United States and Canada, with more than 1800 across the nation and increasing more than 15-fold in two years.
Around $275 million was moved through crypto ATMs nationally in 2024.
AUSTRAC's new measures, which include tougher diligence obligations, mandatory scam warnings and better transaction monitoring was a flashing red light for the sector, Swinburne University emerging technologies specialist Dimitrios Salampasis said.
"But beyond the numbers and policy responses lies a human tragedy that must not be ignored: the severe and often irreversible impact on scam victims - particularly the elderly," Professor Salampasis said.
"The elderly are disproportionately targeted by these sophisticated schemes being manipulated into draining their life savings through crypto ATMs under the illusion of helping a loved one, paying a false debt, or investing in a fake opportunity."
While AUSTRAC's measures were a good first step, Australia needed human-centred policy, real-time accountability, and a justice system that recognised the impact of cryptocurrency-enabled crime, Prof Salampsis said.
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She accepted that "it's a fantastic car", but didn't like its association with a politics she reviles. Her friends teased her about it. Since then, Mr Musk has withdrawn as an active wielder of the chainsaw on the American public service. He and Mr Trump haven't fallen out, or not yet at least - though the businessman has called Mr Trump's tax plans "a disgusting abomination", and Mr Trump isn't the sort to take such insults calmly. But the earlier apparent warm friendship - or bromance - turned the Tesla brand toxic in the eyes of some former fans: "swasticars" was the common jibe. Bumper stickers appeared saying: "I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy" and "Bought it before we knew how awful he is". Some said the car and the man were different - Mr Musk does not own a controlling share in Tesla. "Tesla is not Musk," Ross Hetherington, the vice president of the Tesla Owners Club of Australia said. 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Across Australia, the new figures show that BYD has started out-selling the American car once thought to be the way forward for progressive Australians. According to the stats, Australians bought 9,577 Teslas in the first five months of this year but 15,199 BYDs. In the first five months of last year, the race was the other way round, with Tesla in the lead on 18,433 sales nationally and BYD on 7809. There are two other takeaways from the new industry figures: Another relative new-comer - Polestar - said its sales were growing substantially - up by 40 per cent in the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year. Polestar has substantial Chinese money behind it but its research and development is based in Sweden and the UK. 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And he accepted that Elon Musk's involvement in Trumpian politics may have tainted the brand. "We all understand there's a reputational aspect, and I think that has had an effect on the brand," he said. The couple drive the BYD to Sydney and back, with a short charging stop off in Pheasants Nest, just short of Sydney - one charge gets them there and back. If they were to buy a third car after their BYD and the Tesla, he would go for another Chinese car: the XPeng G6 is very similar to the Tesla Model Y - but cheaper. But there's no doubt either that Mr Musk's association with Mr Trump has tainted the Tesla brand in some "progressive" circles. One Canberra Tesla owner said earlier that she was embarrassed when she drove around. She avoided parking her cobalt blue Tesla too close to other cars in case the paintwork was keyed. "It's a weird combination of embarrassment and rage," Diana Streak said. She accepted that "it's a fantastic car", but didn't like its association with a politics she reviles. Her friends teased her about it. Since then, Mr Musk has withdrawn as an active wielder of the chainsaw on the American public service. He and Mr Trump haven't fallen out, or not yet at least - though the businessman has called Mr Trump's tax plans "a disgusting abomination", and Mr Trump isn't the sort to take such insults calmly. But the earlier apparent warm friendship - or bromance - turned the Tesla brand toxic in the eyes of some former fans: "swasticars" was the common jibe. Bumper stickers appeared saying: "I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy" and "Bought it before we knew how awful he is". Some said the car and the man were different - Mr Musk does not own a controlling share in Tesla. "Tesla is not Musk," Ross Hetherington, the vice president of the Tesla Owners Club of Australia said. "The amount of crap that's going on is insane," the Canberra-based Tesla fan said. "I bought the car because it's a great car." Sales of Teslas in Australia have dropped dramatically in the wake of the Trump-Musk bromance. Figures just out show the brand's sales in Australia this year so far are half what they were for the same five months of 2024. The dive in sales came as Elon Musk, the creator of Tesla, became more controversial because of his scorched-earth aid to the American president. In Canberra, often seen as a torch-bearer for electric vehicles, new figures show the Chinese brand BYD gaining ground rapidly. In the first five months of this year, it sold 490 cars in the ACT - a rate of three sales a day, well up on last year. Tesla doesn't publish its sales numbers for the ACT but registrations with the government indicated a fall. Across Australia, the new figures show that BYD has started out-selling the American car once thought to be the way forward for progressive Australians. According to the stats, Australians bought 9,577 Teslas in the first five months of this year but 15,199 BYDs. In the first five months of last year, the race was the other way round, with Tesla in the lead on 18,433 sales nationally and BYD on 7809. There are two other takeaways from the new industry figures: Another relative new-comer - Polestar - said its sales were growing substantially - up by 40 per cent in the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year. Polestar has substantial Chinese money behind it but its research and development is based in Sweden and the UK. Its managing director in Australia, Scott Maynard, thought the big need now was for far more charging stations in Australia beyond the current 2,500: "Crucial to the adoption of electric vehicles is the roll-out of charging infrastructure," he said. And he accepted that politics may have tainted Tesla. "I think the brand has unfortunately been caught up in the politics of Elon Musk." There may be other factors as well, though. Richard and Dianne Czurnak are a two-car family: he drives a Tesla and she drives a BYD Dolphin. They bought the Tesla nearly three years ago when, as he put it, "There was a lot less available on the market." But then the BYD appeared, with more Chinese brands following. "The Chinese brands all becoming very competitive in price," Mr Czumak said. He also felt that Tesla hadn't really developed new models at the pace the competition has. "It has stayed basically the same, with refreshers and upgrades." And he accepted that Elon Musk's involvement in Trumpian politics may have tainted the brand. "We all understand there's a reputational aspect, and I think that has had an effect on the brand," he said. The couple drive the BYD to Sydney and back, with a short charging stop off in Pheasants Nest, just short of Sydney - one charge gets them there and back. If they were to buy a third car after their BYD and the Tesla, he would go for another Chinese car: the XPeng G6 is very similar to the Tesla Model Y - but cheaper. But there's no doubt either that Mr Musk's association with Mr Trump has tainted the Tesla brand in some "progressive" circles. One Canberra Tesla owner said earlier that she was embarrassed when she drove around. She avoided parking her cobalt blue Tesla too close to other cars in case the paintwork was keyed. "It's a weird combination of embarrassment and rage," Diana Streak said. 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an hour ago
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Our approach to products is so destructive. In many respects we're devouring the future
My father Ian Kiernan used to say he'd like Australia to be the cleanest country on earth. That is my aspiration, too. It's certainly possible but first we need to change our mindset to encourage more Australians to adjust their spending and shopping habits - from "take, make, waste" to re-use and repair. This isn't just about the environment - it's about fairness. It's about extending the life of our products, saving money, and reducing pressure on households during a cost-of-living crunch. We need to guide, inspire and empower our communities to make more sustainable choices. Our approach to materials and products in the western world is so destructive. It's a linear approach where materials are extracted from the Earth, made into products, and eventually thrown away. In many respects we're devouring the future. In Australia, CSIRO reports that our circularity rate is sitting at 4 per cent, which is half the global average. That means that only 4 per cent of what we consume is not a virgin resource. We are also the world's biggest consumer of textiles per capita. Repairability is a key solution to reducing waste, but one that Australia continues to fall behind on. It ensures products can remain in use for as long as possible - keeping them out of landfill. Repair is an obvious "first responder" when it comes to waste prevention and having control over the products we buy and use, from computers, kettles and toasters to furniture, clothing and agricultural equipment. France is leading the way on repairability reform. In 2021, they introduced the Repairability Index to foster sustainable consumption, by making it easier for consumers to repair electronic devices rather than replace them. Products are scored from 0 to 10 based on how easy they are to repair. That's an effective way to promote and encourage repairability, as well as drive brands to redesign their products for a longer life. Wales is another superb example of a country which is excelling in circular economy achievement, thanks to simultaneous top-down and bottom-up action. Repair Cafes have taken off in Welsh communities, and the Welsh Benthyg Cymru - Library of Things - are prevalent around the country. In the same year that France introduced the index, the Australian Productivity Commission released a report on the "Right to Repair", identifying significant barriers to repair and recommending comprehensive reforms to enhance consumer choice, reduce e-waste, and promote competition in repair markets. Four years on and not one of the recommendations from the report have come to fruition. Clean Up Australia strongly advocates for the right to repair products and equipment, including access to parts, manuals, tools, software and extended warranties. It's part of living an independent and sustainable life - being able to mend, fix and extend the life of products we have. The Australian Repair Network has done a great job setting up an interactive map of community initiatives and repair cafes in Australia. But we still have a long way to go in this country. If we are to successfully transition to a more circular and sustainable future, with regulated waste, moving markets for recycled materials, and a flourishing culture of repair and reuse, an entire consciousness shift is needed. I am mindful that even the terminology circular economy may still not be known to the general public. On our 35th anniversary, I'd like to see increased community awareness to reduce wasteful consumerism and reliance on single-use, enhanced product design standards for longevity and repair, and continued investment in waste management infrastructure. To achieve this, collaboration across all levels of government, industry, brands, business, and the everyday Australian is required. It is encouraging that late last year, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the Albanese government's commitment to developing a general right to repair. With our Federal government sworn in and back to work, we're hoping to see that commitment enshrined in policy in the term to come. Australia can lead the way to develop new patterns of consumption that meet consumer expectations and reduce environmental impacts, while being affordable to the public and creating new business opportunities for brands and retailers. This year, more than 800,000 volunteers across the country pulled on their gloves and got to work removing litter from our precious environment. Our volunteers already put in the hard yards, but clean-ups alone cannot solve the mess we're in. It's time to begin fixing what's broken, before it becomes waste. Every Australian should feel inspired to have the cleanest country on earth. My father Ian Kiernan used to say he'd like Australia to be the cleanest country on earth. That is my aspiration, too. It's certainly possible but first we need to change our mindset to encourage more Australians to adjust their spending and shopping habits - from "take, make, waste" to re-use and repair. This isn't just about the environment - it's about fairness. It's about extending the life of our products, saving money, and reducing pressure on households during a cost-of-living crunch. We need to guide, inspire and empower our communities to make more sustainable choices. Our approach to materials and products in the western world is so destructive. It's a linear approach where materials are extracted from the Earth, made into products, and eventually thrown away. In many respects we're devouring the future. In Australia, CSIRO reports that our circularity rate is sitting at 4 per cent, which is half the global average. That means that only 4 per cent of what we consume is not a virgin resource. We are also the world's biggest consumer of textiles per capita. Repairability is a key solution to reducing waste, but one that Australia continues to fall behind on. It ensures products can remain in use for as long as possible - keeping them out of landfill. Repair is an obvious "first responder" when it comes to waste prevention and having control over the products we buy and use, from computers, kettles and toasters to furniture, clothing and agricultural equipment. France is leading the way on repairability reform. In 2021, they introduced the Repairability Index to foster sustainable consumption, by making it easier for consumers to repair electronic devices rather than replace them. Products are scored from 0 to 10 based on how easy they are to repair. That's an effective way to promote and encourage repairability, as well as drive brands to redesign their products for a longer life. Wales is another superb example of a country which is excelling in circular economy achievement, thanks to simultaneous top-down and bottom-up action. Repair Cafes have taken off in Welsh communities, and the Welsh Benthyg Cymru - Library of Things - are prevalent around the country. In the same year that France introduced the index, the Australian Productivity Commission released a report on the "Right to Repair", identifying significant barriers to repair and recommending comprehensive reforms to enhance consumer choice, reduce e-waste, and promote competition in repair markets. Four years on and not one of the recommendations from the report have come to fruition. Clean Up Australia strongly advocates for the right to repair products and equipment, including access to parts, manuals, tools, software and extended warranties. It's part of living an independent and sustainable life - being able to mend, fix and extend the life of products we have. The Australian Repair Network has done a great job setting up an interactive map of community initiatives and repair cafes in Australia. But we still have a long way to go in this country. If we are to successfully transition to a more circular and sustainable future, with regulated waste, moving markets for recycled materials, and a flourishing culture of repair and reuse, an entire consciousness shift is needed. I am mindful that even the terminology circular economy may still not be known to the general public. On our 35th anniversary, I'd like to see increased community awareness to reduce wasteful consumerism and reliance on single-use, enhanced product design standards for longevity and repair, and continued investment in waste management infrastructure. To achieve this, collaboration across all levels of government, industry, brands, business, and the everyday Australian is required. It is encouraging that late last year, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the Albanese government's commitment to developing a general right to repair. With our Federal government sworn in and back to work, we're hoping to see that commitment enshrined in policy in the term to come. Australia can lead the way to develop new patterns of consumption that meet consumer expectations and reduce environmental impacts, while being affordable to the public and creating new business opportunities for brands and retailers. This year, more than 800,000 volunteers across the country pulled on their gloves and got to work removing litter from our precious environment. Our volunteers already put in the hard yards, but clean-ups alone cannot solve the mess we're in. It's time to begin fixing what's broken, before it becomes waste. Every Australian should feel inspired to have the cleanest country on earth. My father Ian Kiernan used to say he'd like Australia to be the cleanest country on earth. That is my aspiration, too. It's certainly possible but first we need to change our mindset to encourage more Australians to adjust their spending and shopping habits - from "take, make, waste" to re-use and repair. This isn't just about the environment - it's about fairness. It's about extending the life of our products, saving money, and reducing pressure on households during a cost-of-living crunch. We need to guide, inspire and empower our communities to make more sustainable choices. Our approach to materials and products in the western world is so destructive. It's a linear approach where materials are extracted from the Earth, made into products, and eventually thrown away. In many respects we're devouring the future. In Australia, CSIRO reports that our circularity rate is sitting at 4 per cent, which is half the global average. That means that only 4 per cent of what we consume is not a virgin resource. We are also the world's biggest consumer of textiles per capita. Repairability is a key solution to reducing waste, but one that Australia continues to fall behind on. It ensures products can remain in use for as long as possible - keeping them out of landfill. Repair is an obvious "first responder" when it comes to waste prevention and having control over the products we buy and use, from computers, kettles and toasters to furniture, clothing and agricultural equipment. France is leading the way on repairability reform. In 2021, they introduced the Repairability Index to foster sustainable consumption, by making it easier for consumers to repair electronic devices rather than replace them. Products are scored from 0 to 10 based on how easy they are to repair. That's an effective way to promote and encourage repairability, as well as drive brands to redesign their products for a longer life. Wales is another superb example of a country which is excelling in circular economy achievement, thanks to simultaneous top-down and bottom-up action. Repair Cafes have taken off in Welsh communities, and the Welsh Benthyg Cymru - Library of Things - are prevalent around the country. In the same year that France introduced the index, the Australian Productivity Commission released a report on the "Right to Repair", identifying significant barriers to repair and recommending comprehensive reforms to enhance consumer choice, reduce e-waste, and promote competition in repair markets. Four years on and not one of the recommendations from the report have come to fruition. Clean Up Australia strongly advocates for the right to repair products and equipment, including access to parts, manuals, tools, software and extended warranties. It's part of living an independent and sustainable life - being able to mend, fix and extend the life of products we have. The Australian Repair Network has done a great job setting up an interactive map of community initiatives and repair cafes in Australia. But we still have a long way to go in this country. If we are to successfully transition to a more circular and sustainable future, with regulated waste, moving markets for recycled materials, and a flourishing culture of repair and reuse, an entire consciousness shift is needed. I am mindful that even the terminology circular economy may still not be known to the general public. On our 35th anniversary, I'd like to see increased community awareness to reduce wasteful consumerism and reliance on single-use, enhanced product design standards for longevity and repair, and continued investment in waste management infrastructure. To achieve this, collaboration across all levels of government, industry, brands, business, and the everyday Australian is required. It is encouraging that late last year, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the Albanese government's commitment to developing a general right to repair. With our Federal government sworn in and back to work, we're hoping to see that commitment enshrined in policy in the term to come. Australia can lead the way to develop new patterns of consumption that meet consumer expectations and reduce environmental impacts, while being affordable to the public and creating new business opportunities for brands and retailers. This year, more than 800,000 volunteers across the country pulled on their gloves and got to work removing litter from our precious environment. Our volunteers already put in the hard yards, but clean-ups alone cannot solve the mess we're in. It's time to begin fixing what's broken, before it becomes waste. Every Australian should feel inspired to have the cleanest country on earth. My father Ian Kiernan used to say he'd like Australia to be the cleanest country on earth. That is my aspiration, too. It's certainly possible but first we need to change our mindset to encourage more Australians to adjust their spending and shopping habits - from "take, make, waste" to re-use and repair. This isn't just about the environment - it's about fairness. It's about extending the life of our products, saving money, and reducing pressure on households during a cost-of-living crunch. We need to guide, inspire and empower our communities to make more sustainable choices. Our approach to materials and products in the western world is so destructive. It's a linear approach where materials are extracted from the Earth, made into products, and eventually thrown away. In many respects we're devouring the future. In Australia, CSIRO reports that our circularity rate is sitting at 4 per cent, which is half the global average. That means that only 4 per cent of what we consume is not a virgin resource. We are also the world's biggest consumer of textiles per capita. Repairability is a key solution to reducing waste, but one that Australia continues to fall behind on. It ensures products can remain in use for as long as possible - keeping them out of landfill. Repair is an obvious "first responder" when it comes to waste prevention and having control over the products we buy and use, from computers, kettles and toasters to furniture, clothing and agricultural equipment. France is leading the way on repairability reform. In 2021, they introduced the Repairability Index to foster sustainable consumption, by making it easier for consumers to repair electronic devices rather than replace them. Products are scored from 0 to 10 based on how easy they are to repair. That's an effective way to promote and encourage repairability, as well as drive brands to redesign their products for a longer life. Wales is another superb example of a country which is excelling in circular economy achievement, thanks to simultaneous top-down and bottom-up action. Repair Cafes have taken off in Welsh communities, and the Welsh Benthyg Cymru - Library of Things - are prevalent around the country. In the same year that France introduced the index, the Australian Productivity Commission released a report on the "Right to Repair", identifying significant barriers to repair and recommending comprehensive reforms to enhance consumer choice, reduce e-waste, and promote competition in repair markets. Four years on and not one of the recommendations from the report have come to fruition. Clean Up Australia strongly advocates for the right to repair products and equipment, including access to parts, manuals, tools, software and extended warranties. It's part of living an independent and sustainable life - being able to mend, fix and extend the life of products we have. The Australian Repair Network has done a great job setting up an interactive map of community initiatives and repair cafes in Australia. But we still have a long way to go in this country. If we are to successfully transition to a more circular and sustainable future, with regulated waste, moving markets for recycled materials, and a flourishing culture of repair and reuse, an entire consciousness shift is needed. I am mindful that even the terminology circular economy may still not be known to the general public. On our 35th anniversary, I'd like to see increased community awareness to reduce wasteful consumerism and reliance on single-use, enhanced product design standards for longevity and repair, and continued investment in waste management infrastructure. To achieve this, collaboration across all levels of government, industry, brands, business, and the everyday Australian is required. It is encouraging that late last year, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the Albanese government's commitment to developing a general right to repair. With our Federal government sworn in and back to work, we're hoping to see that commitment enshrined in policy in the term to come. Australia can lead the way to develop new patterns of consumption that meet consumer expectations and reduce environmental impacts, while being affordable to the public and creating new business opportunities for brands and retailers. This year, more than 800,000 volunteers across the country pulled on their gloves and got to work removing litter from our precious environment. Our volunteers already put in the hard yards, but clean-ups alone cannot solve the mess we're in. It's time to begin fixing what's broken, before it becomes waste. Every Australian should feel inspired to have the cleanest country on earth.
