The federal government is set to introduce legislation next week to safeguard salmon farming in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour, amid concerns over the industry’s impact on the endangered Maugean skate.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has brought forward plans to amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, originally slated for after the next election.
The bill, expected to be introduced to parliament on Tuesday, was promised by Albanese in a letter to Tasmania’s three major salmon companies last month.
A spokesperson for the prime minister said the government would “amend the flawed EPBC Act to secure jobs and local industries” and called for bipartisan support “to give communities certainty”.
While the bill will need backing from the Coalition to pass the Senate, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has previously signalled his support for the industry.
However, Liberal Senator for Tasmania and shadow environment minister Jonno Duniam says that support will come only after they are given access to the draft legislation.
“Bipartisan support for this bill is difficult to achieve when neither industry or the opposition have seen any draft legislation,” he wrote.
“The opposition is seeking confirmation that the legislation will require the minister for the environment to finalise a decision to approve continued operation of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.”
“In the absence of this, the legislation will not provide the required certainty and leaves the door open to a further decision that will risk the salmon farming industry.”
“The opposition wants this solution to succeed and ensuring thorough consultation happens will assist in achieving success.”
Tasmanian Minister Felix Ellis said workers in the industry deserve clarity.
“The workers in Strahan have been waiting more than a year for what is effectively an unnecessary process, an unnecessary uncertainty,” he said.
“We don’t think the federal government has been acting in good faith and it’s time for them to show that they will by providing that legislation to the industry and others today.”
Environmental groups are gearing up to push back, with the Bob Brown Foundation warning the changes will “legislate a death warrant” for the Maugean skate.
Tasmanian Greens senator Nick McKim accused Albanese of rushing the legislation through with “outrageous haste”.
“The Greens are going to fight this in the parliament and we’re going to join with Tasmanian communities to fight this on the beaches,” he said.
