• Labor will always be a strong supporter of salmon farming
• Aquaculture creates crucial employment opportunities in regional Tasmania
• Science is key to a sustainable future
Labor is a strong supporter of the aquaculture industry and the critical employment it provides in Tasmania, in particular in regional areas.
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Rebecca White said the Government must work strategically with industry and provide leadership for the community.
“What is clear from recent attention on the salmon industry is that the community needs access to better information about the science underpinning the industry so they can share our confidence in its sustainability,” Ms White said.
“Labor wants to see salmon farming in Tasmania flourish and continue to support employment in regional areas.
“Employment opportunities in rural and regional areas change people’s lives. It reduces inequality and lifts people out of poverty.
“Labor backs the science that underpins a sustainable aquaculture industry. The recent Senate Inquiry showed that the public can have confidence that there are strong regulations in place to independently monitor the environmental impact of the industry.
“The science must always dictate how we grow fish to keep the industry sustainable and maintain the confidence of the community.
“We must always have an attitude of continual improvement to adapt to changing environmental and market conditions.
“Labor will continue to work with the sector to grow jobs and investment, open new markets and encourage downstream processing and value adding of the product in a sustainable manner.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Minister for Primary Industries
