Salmon mass death event yet another Tasmanian Government fiasco

The Independent Federal Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, will discuss the revelation today that the Tasmanian Government knows bugger all about the ongoing mass salmon die-off and seems to care even less.

"The revelation on ABC Radio this morning that the Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority knows so little about the ongoing salmon mass death just goes to show how rapidly this terrible saga has descended into another Tasmanian Government fiasco", Mr Wilkie said.

"It turns out the EPA doesn't know how many fish have died, exactly which strain of rickettsia is involved and what the effect will be of the spike in antibiotic use. In other words, we don't know the scale of the problem, if the rickettsia will also be killing native marine life, or if the antibiotics are contaminating native wildlife or are harmful to humans.

"I was also unconvinced by the EPA's assurance that infected fish are not being sold for human consumption, because we simply don't know if live fish set for processing are being tested for rickettsia. I assume not, especially given the rumours about this coming out of the industry.

"Mind you I do not blame the EPA for any of this, because at the end of the day it is simply doing its job as designed and resourced by the Tasmanian Government. Again, the problem is the Government which is useless and beholden to the salmon industry."

• For more information: 0427 291 785
• 10:50am 3 March 2025, Parliament Lawns, HOBART
• Authorised by Andrew Wilkie MP 188 Collins St Hobart