The Tasmanian Nationals have released a media statement condemning Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s recent decision to pause the expansion of the salmon industry.
The party’s secretary, Christine Ferguson, argues that this move contradicts the Premier’s pre-election commitments and undermines a vital sector of the regional economy. The media release highlights the salmon industry’s role in creating jobs and its status as a world-class export, and accuses the government of prioritising political pressure over the livelihoods of regional Tasmanians.
The Nationals are calling for the immediate reversal of this decision, urging the government to provide stability and support for the industry.
Media Release – Tasmanian Nationals, 20 August 2025
Rockliff’s Salmon Backflip Betrays Regional Tasmania
The Tasmanian Nationals have condemned Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s decision to pause salmon industry expansion and launch yet another review — a direct contradiction of the commitments he made to Tasmanians during the election campaign.
Tasmanian Nationals Secretary Christine Ferguson said the salmon industry underpins thousands of regional jobs and has been built into a world-class export sector through hard work and innovation.
“Only last year, Rockliff said ‘Tasmania is the salmon capital of the world, and our government backs this industry and its workers every step of the way’.
“He promised the industry certainty and growth. Now, by pausing expansion, he is breaking faith with the very people who rely on these jobs,” Ferguson said.
“This decision is not about sustainability — it is about politics. The salmon industry already operates under some of the strictest environmental standards in the world.
Pausing its future growth sends a chilling message to every Tasmanian who depends on fishing, farming, and aquaculture: that their livelihoods can be put on ice whenever the Premier feels political pressure.”
What Rockliff said before the election:
“Tasmania is the salmon capital of the world, and we intend to keep it that way.”
“Our Government backs the salmon industry every step of the way.”
“We will continue to grow this world-class industry, supporting regional jobs and exports.”
“Salmon farming is a Tasmanian success story and will be backed in by my Government.”
The Tasmanian Nationals reaffirmed their full support for fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, and forestry as the backbone of Tasmania’s regional economy.
“Salmon is one of Tasmania’s greatest success stories, creating good, well-paid jobs in our regions and bringing investment into our communities. The Nationals will always stand behind our fishing and farming families,” Ferguson said.
The Tasmanian Nationals called on the Rockliff Government to immediately end the uncertainty, scrap the pause, and recommit to the future of the salmon industry.
“Tasmania’s workers and businesses deserve stability and confidence — not reviews, pauses, and political backflips.”
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