The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Minister for Primary Industries to put a stop to the slaughter of seals on Tasmanian salmon farms.
In Question Time today, Greens Primary Industries spokesperson Kim Booth MP said reports of widespread seal deaths on salmon farms risked creating a consumer backlash and brand damage to an expanding industry.
“The aquaculture industry relies on our clean, green brand being genuine, and the death of so many seals on salmon farms threatens the future of that brand,” Mr Booth said.
“With public money currently raining down on the aquaculture industry like confetti, the Minister should be applying conditions to any financial assistance requiring the industry to clean up its act.”
“By refusing to act in response to these seal deaths, the Minister is risking a serious consumer backlash happening under his watch.”
“It’s all very well palming the question off to the Environment Minister, however there is a broader issue that goes to brand protection and industry image that this Minister is responsible for.”
“The industry must also accept responsibility, because it is their own brand and industry that they are damaging.”
“Right now the clean and green brand is more important for Tasmania’s economy than it has ever been, with a growing number of niche producers struggling to meet demand from Asia.”
Kim Booth MP Greens Primary Industries Spokesperson Tuesday, 25 June 2013
