Greens

MLC Colleen Hartland has defended the Victorian College of the Arts against attacks from multinational drink companies, after it installed water fountains and banned bottled water.

"What a typically arrogant reaction from the big drinks companies. They think they have a special entitlement to sell their overpriced, polluting products wherever they want."

"They can call themselves the Australasian Bottled Water Institute all they like, but we know an industry front-group when we see one."

"The Victorian College of the Arts is showing the way by providing fresh, clean water fountains to their students.  If they can do it, other places can as well."

A Parliament Inquiry into Ms Hartland's Bill for a10c refundable deposit on bottles, cans and cartons will commence on Wednesday.