The decision by some chefs not to use Tasmanian salmon is extremely disappointing.
This is an insult to thousands of hard working Tasmanians.
The more than 5,000 people employed through Tasmania’s salmon industry have every right to be outraged by this move, which is based on crass politics, not science.
Unfortunately, this move is the direct result of the repeated attacks made upon the industry by the Greens and their anti-job fellow travellers Environment Tasmania, who have become world experts at spreading misinformation.
A salmon boycott has the potential to cause severe damage to the salmon industry, costing hundreds of jobs and hitting regional communities across the state.
Our industry is world leading and we want to see the industry grow sustainably which is why we are introducing changes to strengthen regulation and penalties to retain the confidence of the community.
These penalties are significantly tougher than when the Greens and Labor were in government. Under the Hodgman Liberal Government, the monitoring and regulation of the salmon industry is controlled by the independent Environment Protection Authority.
We are also developing a Sustainable Growth Plan which will clearly define “grow” and “no grow” zones right around the state, providing certainty for the future.
I condemn in the strongest possible terms any boycotts of Tasmanian salmon, and I call on all Tasmanian political parties to join me in doing so. I also call upon Environment Tasmania to immediately condemn the boycott.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water