The Tasmanian Government is calling time on the uncertainty that has been forced upon our valued West Coast salmon workers.
It has been one year since the Federal Government flagged its intention to potentially shut down the industry in Macquarie Harbour.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese must step up and secure the futures of the hundreds of workers, providing their families certainty, by Christmas.
“The Labor Environment Minister must look beyond inner-city Green voters in Sydney and do the right thing by Tasmanian workers and their families,” Premier Rockliff said.
“It is simply not good enough that the Labor Party continues to hold an axe over the head of West Coast Salmon workers and the Prime Minister must step in and show leadership on the issue, as he did in killing off the Minister’s disastrous environmental reforms earlier this week,” Premier Rockliff said.
“The science is clear that the Maugean Skate and salmon farming can coexist in Macquarie Harbour, with oxygenation levels in the Harbour at its best in a decade.
“The PM’s promise to back our salmon industry must be realised and the right decision must be made for Tasmanian workers by Christmas.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are backing in jobs, keeping our economy strong and delivering for our regions and our Liberal Government will continue to back our world-class sustainable salmon industry to the hilt.”
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam said anything short of full approval for salmon farming to continue in Macquarie harbour is not certainty for salmon workers and their families.
“Any exemption, work around or band aid solution will not cut it,” Senator Duniam said.
“The Prime Minister and his Environment Minister need to declare salmon farming not a controlled action, anything else will be the end of the industry.”
