The state government is facing a crossbench revolt over its planned independent study into Tasmania’s salmon industry, with MPs accusing it of protecting the sector instead of tackling environmental concerns.
At the centre of the dispute are the inquiry’s terms of reference, which allow it to deliver findings but not recommendations – a restriction MPs say makes the whole process meaningless.
Independent Franklin MP and long-time anti-salmon campaigner Peter George said the government had “ambushed” parliament with the terms.
“It’s an inquiry that doesn’t even have the right to return recommendations, merely findings,” he said.
“And to be honest with you, it looks pretty much as though it was written in close collaboration with the Tasmanian salmon industry itself.”
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said the approach ignored concerns raised by crossbench members about changes in the marine environment.
“The government is proposing a ‘study’ that would not make any recommendations,” she said.
“It looks designed to shield the industry, shut out the community and allow ongoing damage to the marine environment – all while the government shirks any responsibility for fixing the problems their unwavering support of this industry has caused.”
Woodruff said the inquiry fell short of Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s promise to put the industry “on notice”.
Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce defended the plan, saying the study would test whether current regulations were delivering sustainable development while protecting marine and freshwater environments.
“Tasmania’s salmon industry is an important part of our economy and regional communities and this independent, evidence-based study will assess whether current regulations are fit for purpose and reflect community expectations,” he said.
The inquiry will examine the environmental, social and economic dimensions of the industry, including climate change risks, ecosystem health and regional jobs.
It will also compare Tasmania’s regulatory framework with aquaculture nations such as Norway, Scotland, Canada, Chile and New Zealand.
The study will be completed in two phases through to 2026, with all findings and data to be publicly released.
