Australia’s Parliament has introduced a bill aimed at securing the future of salmon farming in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour, sparking a heated political clash over environmental protections.
The legislation, which is believed to have the Coalition’s backing, aims to prevent the environment minister from reconsidering certain existing environmental approvals, including those operational for at least five years and regulated by state authorities.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek introduced the bill and explained that it aims to create “a very specific amendment that will apply in very limited circumstances.”
She added that it addresses cases where industries are long-established and overseen by state or territory regulators.
“Labor is committed to fixing our environmental laws so that they work better for our environment and better for business,” she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised Labor’s commitment to jobs in Tasmania’s west coast salmon industry.
Greens, Independents Launch Criticism
Greens and Independent Senators criticised the bill, arguing that it weakens environmental protections at a time of escalating climate and ecological concerns.Greens Leader Adam Bandt accused Albanese of caving to opposition demands.
“After three years of broken promises on the environment, why are you now doing what the leader of the opposition asked by gutting our climate and environment laws?” he asked.
Albanese dismissed Bandt’s comments as “absolute nonsense,” defending Labor’s record on climate change.
“We have effective climate change targets of 43 percent by 2040 and a plan to get there,” he said, adding that Australia is now playing a key role globally in addressing climate issues.
However, Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather criticised the amendment, calling it a “dirty deal” with the Liberals and Nationals.
“This legislation may well make it easier for coal and gas projects to continue into the future, even where the science proves they’re having a devastating impact on our environment,” he said.
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie warned the legislation could tarnish Tasmania’s reputation.
“You are not listening to them because I think a dirty, stinking salmon sucks,” she said. “It is filth. It is caught and is going to cause harm to Brand Tasmania.”
The salmon industry’s future has faced increased national scrutiny due to environmental concerns, including a recent mass die-off caused by bacterial disease in southeast Tasmania.
Critics fear ongoing operations in Macquarie Harbour may endanger marine life, including the Maugean skate, a species on the brink of extinction.
As the debate unfolded inside Parliament, 12 environmental activists were reportedly detained during protests against the legislation at Parliament House. Three activists glued themselves to stairwells in protest against perceived corporate-driven concessions.
Campaign manager Jenny Weber accused the government of siding with industry over public interest. “Our seas are polluted, animals are dying, and our government is ruling for the corporations, not the people,” she said.
Tension Over Broader Impact on Fossil Fuels
Greens Senator Nick McKim sought clarification on whether the bill could extend beyond salmon farming to exempt fossil fuel projects, land clearing, and large industrial developments from reconsideration.Senate leader Penny Wong rebuffed the claims, accusing the Greens of fearmongering.
“These are specific amendments to address a flaw in the EPBC Act,” she said, adding, “I predict that it doesn’t matter what my answer is, you’re going to make those scare campaigns anyway because you don’t support these changes.”
Independent Senator David Pocock echoed the criticism, describing the bill as “vandalism of our environment.”
“Labor promised the world when it came to environmental reform. They’ve delivered nothing and actually they’re taking us backwards,” he said.
