Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett has turned his back on Tasmania's seafood industry.
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Water Janie Finlay said by refusing to re-sign the Seafood Pledge, Minister Barnett has turned his back on thousands of Tasmanians wanting to access skills and training in the seafood industry.
"Minister Barnett answered very serious questions about the seafood industry on the floor of the Parliament today by saying he wore a T shirt spruiking Eat More Seafood," Ms Finlay said.
"This industry needs more than slogans - it needs action and support.
"Since 2015 the Seafood Pledge has supported Tasmanians to obtain 7,000 vocational qualifications, maritime licenses and endorsements of maritime licences.
"Yet despite repeated requests from the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council and Tasmania's three largest salmon producers, Minister Barnett has refused to re-sign the Seafood Pledge.
"Today in Parliament Minister Barnett failed to explain why the government had chosen not to re-sign the pledge. He further failed to outline the implications that not signing this pledge would have on the industry.
"Minister for Skills and Training Sarah Courtney also failed to provide any assurance to the industry.
"The Seafood Pledge is crucial to the seafood industry and it is incredibly disappointing that the government has turned its back on it and on the thousands of Tasmanians wanting to work in this great industry."
Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Water
