Protecting and supporting workers is in Labor’s DNA.
Labor Leader Rebecca White, Shane Broad, Dean Winter and I will be visiting the West Coast tomorrow to show our support for the industry, workers and the community. Tasmanian Labor will always stand up for the West Coast.
The situation at Macquarie Harbour is complex. Focusing solely on salmon farming won’t work when we know climate change and warming water, altered water flows from hydro dams and more than century of run-off from mining are also affecting oxygen levels in the harbour.
But one thing is clear: reducing or removing salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour will affect workers and their families, small businesses, industry suppliers, processors, transporters and local medical and educational services on the West Coast.
The salmon industry has been proactive and has committed $6 million for major oxygenation projects in the harbour. This should be the immediate focus and it is time others also stepped up to the plate.
Tasmania’s salmon industry can’t be taken for granted.
The Rockliff Government must stand up for the salmon industry and work with Labor and other stakeholders to ensure that salmon farming continues in Macquarie Harbour.
Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Water
