10¢ recycling program taken over by former politician months after controversy

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An ex-federal LNP politician will take over the 10 cent refund recycling program in Queensland, months after it became embroiled in allegations of bullying and intimidation.

Former member for Brisbane Trevor Evans was announced as the interim chief executive of Container Exchange (COEX) on Wednesday.

The not-for-profit runs the “Containers for Change” recycling scheme on behalf of the Queensland government.

Trevor Evans, campaigning for the seat of Brisbane in 2025.

Late last year an inquiry into the program referred 10 complaints to the corruption watchdog, after uncovering “disturbing” claims of alleged bullying, harassment and intimidation and unfair business practices.

Evans is taking over from Natalie Roach, whose three-year term in the top job ended this month. A permanent appointment will be made by the board later this year, with recruitment to begin next month.

The organisation did not say why a permanent replacement had not been appointed earlier.

“Following a mutual decision not to renew the previous CEO’s contract at the end of her term, the board has appointed Evans as Interim CEO to ensure continuity and stability,” a spokesperson said in a response to questions.

“Mr Evans steps into the role from his previous position as a COEX Board advisor.” Evans was said to have started in that advisor role in September.

While laws setting out governance requirements of the organisation mean the chief executive appointment is a decision for the board, “the [environment] minister is informed of appointments.”

Evans was previously chief executive of the National Retail Association, and represented the Brisbane electorate from 2016 to 2022.

While representing the inner-city seat during the second Morrison term, Evans served as assistant minister for waste reduction and environmental management under current Liberal leader Sussan Ley.

He lost the electorate to Green Stephen Bates in 2022, and, despite a well-resourced campaign, failed to win it back at the 2025 election when Labor’s Madonna Jarrett emerged successful.

Evans’ LinkedIn page states he has been involved in unspecified “board member, advisory and consultant” work since leaving office, before starting with Container Exchange as interim chief executive in December.