The Tasmanian Liberal Government welcomes the decisive rejection of activist attempts to end procurement of salmon from Macquarie Harbour at today’s Woolworths AGM.
Motions to end the purchase of Tasmanian salmon from the region were rejected following a speech from the Woolworths Chair stressing the importance of evidence-based decisions.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said the Chair’s speech also noted recent IMAS studies showing stabilised juvenile Maugean skate populations alongside responsible salmon farming.
“It is pleasing that fact and commonsense have held sway despite the ongoing campaign of misinformation from groups like the radical Bob Brown Foundation and Sustainable Investment Exchange,” said Minister Abetz.
“As we have repeatedly said: the science is clear. Salmon farming can co-exist with the Maugean skate in Macquarie Harbour.
“It is a matter of extreme disappointment that anti-salmon activists continue to use misleading claims to advance their agenda, disregarding settled science.
“Their actions are a direct attack on regional Tasmanians jobs and communities.
“Today’s decision follows the earlier announcement this week that Minister Plibersek will defer her decision on the listing of the skate.
“This hypocritical decision simply continues the uncertainty for Tasmanian salmon workers on the West Coast and their families.
“In contrast to Federal Labor, the Greens and their activist base, we make no apology in standing up for salmon jobs, with our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future providing ongoing support for sustainable salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.”
