The Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to back the salmon industry which is under threat by the Federal Labor Government.
Premier Rockliff has written to the Prime Minister calling on him to provide certainty for those whose livelihoods rely on salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s West Coast.
“My Government’s position is clear: We 100 per cent back the continuation of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour, and we stand side by side with the almost 400 workers, their families and wider community,” the Premier said.
“We know that this review is having a grave impact on the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of workers, their families and entire communities that rely on salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.
“There is no need for Minister Plibersek to take a day longer than is needed to provide certainty on the future of the salmon industry in Macquarie Harbour.
“I call on the Albanese Government to provide that by the end of March.
“By providing a decision date, one that is sooner rather than later, they will be providing some much-needed certainty to a community and industry that both needs and deserves it.”
The letter follows recent correspondence from the Prime Minister outlining the Australian Government’s interest in identifying employment and economic opportunities to the West Coast region.
Premier Rockliff said that while the Tasmanian Government will always welcome any investment in the West Coast region, he will not accept it is linked to, or come at the expense of, the jobs of workers in West Coast aquaculture, nor be as a result of any ‘pausing’ or cessation of aquaculture in Macquarie Harbour.
