The Tasmanian Government yesterday received a letter from Federal Labor Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, relating to potential action taken against salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.
Premier Rockliff today reiterated his firm backing of the Tasmanian Salmon industry and warned the Federal Labor Government that it should listen to Tasmanians on Tasmanian matters.
"I want to be clear, I will not stand by and allow the Federal Labor Government to kill off our Salmon Industry and the more than 350 jobs that it supports," Mr Rockliff said.
"Our Government backs our salmon industry 100 per cent. We back the businesses that it supports. We back the jobs that employ Tasmanians and allow Tasmanian mums and dads to put dinner on the table and pay their mortgages."
The salmon industry on the West Coast is worth over $100 million and directly employs more than 150 people.
Premier Rockliff said any decision to halt operations by Tanya Plibersek would put 350+ jobs at risk in communities right across Tasmania.
That's 350+ families who have a right to go to work every day and provide for their families.
"Once again, we see the Labor Government cosying up with the Greens and killing off jobs.
"Minister Plibersek has said that she will consult with our Government, the salmon industry and the local community before a decision is made and the Minister must keep her word.
"Of course, protecting and conserving the Maugean Skate is important. That's why last week we announced $2.1 million Skate Recovery Fund to ensure its long-term survival.
"We absolutely believe that Skate and salmon can co-exist and we have been working closely with Salmon Tasmania, companies operating in the harbour and the national recovery team to develop a Conservation Action Plan.
"The work of the National Recovery Team will improve oxygen levels in Mac Harbour and until this work is completed and implemented, the Minister should not prempt the outcome by reconsidering the EPBC Act.
"Rebecca White and Tasmanian Labor must demand Minister Plibersek and Federal Labor cease doing deals with the Greens to destroy Tasmanian jobs."
