The Australian Workers' Union has condemned Premier Jeremy Rockliff's decision to launch an independent review of Tasmania's salmon industry and pause its expansion, calling it a disgraceful betrayal of thousands of blue-collar workers to appease the Greens and environmental extremists.
AWU Tasmania Secretary Ian Wakefield said the Premier had let down every salmon worker, their families, and their communities across the state.
"Jeremy Rockliff has sold his soul to the Greens and as a sign of his loyalty he's offered up the futures of 5,000 hardworking Tasmanians as sacrifice," Mr Wakefield said.
"The Premier has gone back on his word and commitments to every salmon worker who trusted the Liberals with their valuable vote. He literally signed a letter on July 2 promising not to trade the salmon industry 'in any way, shape or form' to retain government. Six weeks later, he's done exactly that. His word is worthless.
"Jeremy Rockliff pretended to support our members and their families, took their votes, then sold them out at the first opportunity to cling to power.
"The salmon industry is already the most heavily regulated primary industry in Tasmania. It operates under strict environmental monitoring, biomass caps, and nitrogen limits. This review is not a review, it's a political weapon."
Mr Wakefield said the union would fight to protect its members' jobs and their communities
"Our members have done nothing wrong. They work hard for an industry that follows world-leading science, meets every regulation, and produces a product Tasmania should be proud of," he said.
"But instead of defending these workers and their families, Jeremy Rockliff has chosen to treat them as political pawns to be sacrificed for his own survival.
"The AWU will stand with our members, their families and their communities every step of the way. We won't let environmental extremists and political opportunists destroy the livelihoods of hardworking Tasmanians without a fight."
