Tasmanian salmon workers ‘completely betrayed by Premier’

Salmon Tasmania has accused the state’s Premier Jeremy Rockliff of shamefully letting down “every salmon worker, their families, and communities across the state” by offering policy concessions, including a review of salmon farming operations, to win support from Green and independent MPs.

Rockliff’s minority Liberal government is facing a motion of no confidence from the Labour party when the Tasmanian parliament opens tomorrow after an election, and has offered various concessions to ensure it stays in power.

Along with a review of salmon farming operations, Rockliff has agreed to the discontinuation of funding for the greyhound industry, and abandoning plans to expand native forestry, in return for support from the Greens and crossbench MPs. Labour has been unwilling to do so.

In a letter to Salmon Tasmania chief executive John Whittington on July 2, Rockliff boasted that “there is no stronger supporter of your industry than the Tasmanian Liberals”.

The letter continued: “We will continue our strong support and advocacy for the industry, standing firm against baseless anti-industry activism and working to provide certainty for those regional communities and workers reliant on the continued success of your industry.”

He made several pledges, including that a re-elected Liberal government would “not trade the salmon industry in any way, shape or form in order to form or retain Government”.

Betrayed in just six weeks

In a post on LinkedIn, Whittington wrote: “Many salmon workers trusted the Liberals with their valuable vote, only to be completely betrayed just six weeks later.

“The Premier’s word has proven worthless.

“Every industry in Tasmania should be deeply concerned. First it was forestry, then the racing industry, what’s next? If you have a letter from Jeremy professing support, be very, very worried - you could well be next on his political chopping block.

“Tasmania’s workers, their families and industries deserve the support of their leaders, and not to be treated as a political plaything that is traded away for power.

“Tasmania’s salmon industry is already the most highly regulated primary industry in Tasmania, built on the world leading science from respected institutions including (Australian research institutes) IMAS and CSIRO, with collaboration and consultation with the Government every step of the way.

“More than 5,000 Tasmanians [are] working hard for the industry, and nine of 10 of those jobs are in our regional communities.

“This decision abandons regional Tasmania and sends a dangerous message to any business considering investing in our state.”