THE NSW Small Business Minister has welcomed his Victorian counterpart showing interest in tackling the retail pain of the states' split on can and bottle refunds.
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NSW traders are upset they are losing custom to Victoria because a 10-cent premium on drinks does not apply south of the Murray River.
Mr Somyurek replied to Mr Tudehope on November 28, noting Infrastructure Victoria provided advice on recycling in a report in October.
"In the course of their consideration of community and business feedback, ahead of a final report to the Government in 2020 I will consider the cross border issues that you have raised," Mr Somyurek told Mr Tudehope.
"Once we have received and considered their feedback I would be more than happy to meet with you and discuss how we can work together to support small business."
Mr Tudehope was heartened by Mr Somyurek's letter.
"This is a positive first step in working across party and state lines to support small businesses and the environment in Albury-Wodonga and I look forward to meeting with the Victorian Minister to discuss the issues facing these businesses further," Mr Tudehope said.
"Victoria does not have its own CDS and as an unintended consequence of this, NSW retailers on the border are suffering as they struggle to compete with Victorian retailers."
Victoria is the only state which does not already have a container deposit scheme in place or in train.
