Tasmania (Australia’s island state) is a major producer of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), prized for its rich flavor and high omega-3 content

Tasmanian Salmon Bill: Political Maneuvering vs. Environmental Concerns

AUSTRALIA
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 09:00 (GMT + 9)

Salmon Industry Protected, But at What Cost? A Political and Environmental Battle

The Australian government has passed controversial legislation designed to protect Tasmania's salmon industry, a move that has ignited fierce debate and drawn criticism from environmentalists and opposition parties. The legislation, passed swiftly through both houses of parliament, aims to prevent a formal reconsideration by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek into the 2012 approval of salmon farm expansion in Macquarie Harbour.

The decision has thrust the Tasmanian salmon industry into the national spotlight, with even Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio weighing in on Instagram, urging the government to shut down "destructive industrial non-native salmon farms" to save the endangered Maugean skate. The Greens, led by Sarah Hanson-Young, staged a dramatic protest in the Senate, waving a dead salmon and accusing the government of sacrificing environmental credentials for "rotten, stinking extinction salmon."

The legislation is seen as crucial for the Labor government's bid to retain and potentially win seats in Tasmania, particularly the marginal seat of Lyons and the key battleground of Braddon. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the importance of protecting jobs in the region, arguing that the salmon industry and the Maugean skate can coexist. However, environmental groups and some Labor MPs argue that the legislation weakens environmental protections and could have broader implications for other industries, including coal and gas.

The controversy stems from a 2023 legal challenge by environmental groups concerned about the impact of salmon farming on the Maugean skate, a species found only in Macquarie Harbour. An environment department opinion suggested that a review of the 2012 approval could force salmon farms to halt operations. The new legislation prevents such a review by exempting decisions made over five years ago that involved state-based regulation.

The Coalition, while supporting the bill, criticized the government's handling of the situation, accusing them of an "11th-hour fix" to avoid political fallout. Independent Senator David Pocock and the Greens condemned the legislation as a betrayal of environmental commitments, arguing it prioritizes industry over the protection of endangered species.

The government has defended the legislation as a specific amendment to address a flaw in national environment law, assuring that existing laws apply to other industries. They have also announced $3 million for a Maugean skate captive breeding program and reiterated their commitment to strengthening environmental laws in a potential second term.

Macquarie Harbour salmon leases and operators

Despite the government’s assurances, legal experts and environmentalists warn that the poorly drafted legislation could lead to legal challenges and set a dangerous precedent for future environmental decisions. The debate highlights the delicate balance the government faces between protecting jobs and safeguarding the environment, particularly in politically sensitive regions like Tasmania.

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