Media release – Neighbours of Fish Farming (NOFF), 27 May 2023
Neighbours of Fish Farming (NOFF) Slates Appointment of Prominent Government Supporter to head Salmon Tasmania
NOFF today criticized the appointment of the recently-resigned head of the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania (TICT) as showing once again the unhealthy links between industry and government.
Salmon Tasmania announced today their new CEO will be Luke Martin who resigned just two days ago as head of TICT. Mr Martin is known for being a strong supporter of the proposed football stadium, the commercial development of national parks, and the kunanyi and Cradle Mountain cable cars. All government initiatives.
“Every one of these developments is hugely unpopular with the majority of Tasmanians, as evidenced by the thrice-rejected Kunyani cable car, the recent rejection of Cradle Mountain cable car, and the 6,000-strong turn-out at Parliament Lawns two weeks ago to oppose the stadium,” said NOFF spokesperson, Lisa Litjens. “The selection of someone with such close links to government is yet another example of Tasmania’s long history of state capture.”
Following the recent bullying statements by Henry Batista, Tasmanian communities are now faced with this inflammatory appointment.
“Here we have a lobbyist with a track record of supporting socially-divisive and environmentally-destructive projects, now stepping in to speak to government on behalf of an industry which even the Minister admits has lost its social licence. No doubt Mr Martin will have priority access to the Premier and Ministers, and will probably get invited to $4,000-a- head dinners too.”
With the Maugean skate in imminent demise in Macquarie Harbour and the destruction of native marine life in the Huon River, the Channel and Storm Bay, the government would do well to remember that 72% of Tasmanians want the implementation of Recommendation 3 of the Fin-Fish Inquiry— to remove all salmon leases from sheltered and shallow waters.
