Deputy Liberal Leader Jeremy Rockliff’s appalling lack of judgement has been blamed for undermining public confidence in Tasmania’s salmon industry.
“Jeremy Rockliff has let politics get in the way of clear thinking and proper decision making,” Labor Leader Bryan Green said.
“His inept performance under sustained questioning in Parliament today was an embarrassment to the Government.
“Mr Rockliff has been full of political bravado but has been condemned by his own words after the backflip on his decision to abolish Tasmania’s Marine Farm Planning Review Panel.
“During Estimates hearings last year, Mr Rockliff dismissed Labor’s concerns that abolishing the panel would leave our aquaculture industry exposed to attacks from the Greens and environmental groups.
Mr Rockliff described the panel as:
“An unelected body of faceless people making decision that I can make, as Minister, and take responsibility for.”
“I am the Minister, I am happy to make decision and take responsibility for those decisions.”
“Mr Rockliff has now seen the error of his ways but not before undermining public confidence in approval processes for new salmon farms.
“It’s a classic case of shooting from the lip before thinking of the consequences.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
