Tasmanian salmon sector hits out at expansion pause.
Tasmania’s salmon industry has criticised the state government’s decision to halt marine farming expansion and launch an independent review, calling it a political move that undermines earlier commitments.
Tassal diver Oliver Brewer said workers were being used as “a political tool to appease Greens and Independents” but added he had “full faith in my industry that it will do the right thing and any review will have a positive outcome,” according to reporting from Australian broadcaster ABC.
Salmon Tasmania chief executive John Whittington described the announcement as “a shameless sellout,” saying, “The premier’s words are worthless and clearly no industry is safe.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff defended the review, saying it should be “embraced” and that salmon farming had a “positive future” in the state. “Embrace the fact that we are wanting to support the industry become better,” he said.
Labor’s aquaculture spokesperson Janie Finlay called the decision another policy backflip, arguing it showed Rockliff was “saying anything to cling to power.” Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said Labor’s criticism was “fair” but pressed for stronger commitments.
The Bob Brown Foundation dismissed the pause as inadequate. Campaigner Alistair Allan said it was a “cynical ploy that does nothing to protect Tasmania’s environment” and pointed to previous pauses that failed to curb expansion.
Independent MP Peter George, who with Craig Garland proposed the moratorium, said he wanted assurances the inquiry’s findings would be respected. “What we can’t afford to do is have a pause, have an inquiry, and then have the government totally ignore it,” he said.
