Message from the TAS Branch Secretary: Labor secures future for Macquarie Harbour salmon industry

After enduring months of uncertainty, AWU members in Macquarie Harbour can finally rest easy, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the future of the salmon industry in the region.

In March, the Federal Labor Government passed important legislation to ensure appropriate environmental laws are in place that continues sustainable salmon farming in the Macquarie Harbour.

Repeated attacks from lobby groups and environmental activists have threatened the future of the industry in the region – and hundreds of local blue-collar jobs. At the heart of the dispute is the Maugean skate, an endangered fish located only in the harbour.

However, a recent report from the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (Imas) concluded that the Maugean Skate’s population is “consistent with the long-term average as at 2014”, and the Federal Government remains satisfied that the skate can co-exist with salmon farms in Macquarie Harbour.

The AWU has long called for a sensible approach from federal governments, to ensure that hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars aren’t needlessly wiped from the north-western Tasmanian economy.

Our members are proud to work in a highly technical, responsible industry that is a world leader in environmental monitoring and compliance, and the AWU is proud to stand up for them and their families. 

For over a year, members in Macquarie Harbour have endured unease and uncertainty as Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek considered whether to allow farming to continue in the region. Finally, the Federal Government has listened to common sense and put Tasmanians first.

Overall, the salmon industry contributes over $1 billion to the Tasmanian economy, creates thousands of jobs, and supports whole communities across the state in regional areas.

The AWU will continue to work with salmon members to ensure their industry continues to survive and thrive in Tasmania for many years to come.

We were also proud to host delegates from Tassal, Hobart City Council, Huon, Invocare, Stornoway, Nyrstar and Tasracing for training this February.

They’re all looking forward to testing their new bargaining and organising skills on-site when they return to work. Good luck to our new Tasmanian delegates!