Tasmania’s salmon industry has accused Premier Jeremy Rockliff of breaking written commitments made just six weeks ago, after he announced an independent review into the future of the sector.
Salmon Tasmania CEO Dr John Whittington said the premier had “shamefully let down” workers and their families by walking away from promises made in a signed letter on July 2.
“Many salmon workers trusted the Liberals with their valuable vote, only to be completely betrayed just six weeks later,” he said.
“The premier’s word has proven worthless.”
The backlash follows Rockliff’s announcement this morning of an independent study into the salmon industry, alongside a pause on marine expansion while the review is carried out.
Rockliff said the study would look at monitoring, regulation, environmental standards, disease management and antibiotic use.
He said the terms of reference would be drawn up with parliament after it resumes on Tuesday.
“To support the salmon industry to meet its social licence in line with contemporary environmental expectations, we will deliver an independent study of the industry,” he said.
The premier warned the industry was “on notice” after last summer’s mass fish deaths and the recent detection of the disease behind them in the state’s south.
He said the government needed to “strike a balance between sustainable primary industries and our unique natural environments”.
But in his July letter, the premier had specifically promised to “not trade the salmon industry in any way, shape or form in order to form or retain government” and to “not introduce moratoriums, bans or arbitrary caps on industry growth”.
The letter also committed to supporting “sustainable development of existing lease areas in Storm Bay and future development proposals in offshore sites”.
Dr Whittington accused Rockliff of caving to the Greens and crossbench MPs to hold onto power.
“Every industry in Tasmania should be deeply concerned. First it was forestry, then the racing industry. What’s next?” he said.
“If you have a letter from Jeremy professing support, be very, very worried – you could well be next on his political chopping block.”
The salmon industry employs more than 5,000 Tasmanians, with nine in 10 jobs based in regional communities.
