Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for an end to political games and decisions driven by “radical environmental groups” that are impacting the future of Tasmania’s salmon farming industry.
During a visit to Strahan on Sunday, Dutton, accompanied by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, warned that decisions made ‘to appease Green seats’ in Melbourne and Sydney would “destroy the lives and the livelihoods” of people across the coast.
“We have the utmost respect for an industry which is at world’s best practice. It’s sustainable, it’s respectful to the local environment, the skates and other species which are incredibly important to the biodiversity of this region as well,” Dutton said.
“If we close down the industry … people in Australia won’t stop eating salmon and they won’t stop eating the product that’s made here in the local community. We’ll import that product. It won’t be farmed to the same environmental standards that it is here in Tasmania.”
Dutton called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to “come out and to be honest” with the people of the West Coast, accusing him of making “dishonest” comments in favour of the salmon industry.
“He says one thing here in Tasmania and says something very different when he’s in the inner city talking to people who might vote for the Greens or might vote for Labor,” Dutton claimed.
“He didn’t come here to the local environment, to hear and to listen to the local workers here and the mayor, and to get on the boat.”
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek previously warned that salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour may need to be paused to protect the endangered Maugean skate.
Plibersek has received requests to reconsider the necessary approvals for the salmon industry’s continued operation.
The Tasmanian Government and the salmon industry have invested in efforts they say will protect the endangered fish, as well as developing an ‘insurance population’ in captivity.
The Bob Brown Foundation disputed the claims made by the Liberals and the industry that salmon could coexist in Macquarie Harbour, arguing that Dutton was ignoring the “impending extinction” of the Maugean Skate.
“Salmon Farming and the Maugean Skate simply cannot coexist. If they could, the Maugean Skate wouldn’t be on the edge of extinction,” Antarctic and Marine Campaigner Alistair Allan said.
“Now is the time for the Prime Minister to show that his government will protect the Maugean Skate and Macquarie Harbour.”
