There are lots of ways to protect workers in Tasmania, but there is only one way to protect the critically endangered Maugean skate. The skate has been around since the time of the dinosaurs. It has just one home - Macquarie Harbour. It's globally unique - the only known brackish water skate in the world. It's recognised internationally as one of the natural values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Minister Plibersek says she will listen to the science and follow the law. Australian government scientists are unequivocal that salmon farming is the key threat to the skate's survival. Top Australian independent scientists have confirmed this. Scientists have also told us how to save the skate: stop salmon farming.
"Is anyone other than the AWU seriously suggesting we should not listen to science and not follow the law?" said Eloise Carr, Director, Australia Institute Tasmania.
"But, of course, if they want to do what the AWU says – as the elected government – that's obviously their choice to make.
"Democracy is about choices. We used to hunt whales, log the Daintree and mine asbestos and all those industries created some jobs.
"There are lots of places where salmon can be grown but only one place in the world where the Maugean skate can live. If we chose a bit more salmon over the last of the dinosaur fish, then it speaks volumes about our priories."
"It would not be difficult or expensive for governments to look after workers while also saving the skate. Dividing the recent $21 million taxpayer funded subsidy to the salmon industry among its workers could have instead been a payment of around $210,000 per worker."
Before all of this we need to be dealing in facts. There is a lot of misinformation being spread in this debate.
TASMANIAN SALMON JOBS
By the salmon industry's own admission, there are 109 salmon industry jobs in Macquarie Harbour. They're not all local jobs, either, with some drive-in, drive-out workers.
"SHUTTING DOWN SALMON"
Macquarie Harbour comprises just 10% of local salmon production and 5% of jobs in the industry. Removing salmon farms from the harbour would not shut down the local salmon industry.
THE SALMON FARMS ARE FOREIGN-OWNED
This is not a local owned industry. It is dominated by three big players, all foreign owned. Tassal was bought out by Canadian company, Cooke Inc. Huon Aquaculture was bought out by JBS, based in Brazil and Sealord is New Zealand/Japanese owned. As a result, the profits of these companies go offshore, and they don't pay tax here. So … big money, free pollution of a World Heritage Area and no tax.
JOBS "SUPPORTED BY" SALMON
Statements like 'supported by' require further consideration. Lots of other industries support regional businesses like bakeries, cafes, general stores, mechanics and so on. These jobs do not rely on the salmon industry as the industry would like people to believe. Tourism on the west coast employs far more people than fish farming and would be negatively impacted if Maugean skate became extinct.
WHAT TASMANIANS WANT
Tasmanians want fish farms out of inshore waters. Suggesting only inner-city mainlanders are the only ones who want to protect this World Heritage Area is a lie. The Australia Institute has polled mainland Australians and Tasmanians several times. 7 in 10 Tasmanians want the government to follow the science and save the skate.
