Independent Member of Parliament David O’Byrne has pledged his support for the Liberal Party in Tasmania, bringing the party closer to maintaining a minority government. This announcement coincides with a significant development regarding an independent investigation into the state’s salmon industry, which has faced increasing scrutiny.
O’Byrne confirmed his support on July 16, 2023, stating that he believes the Liberal government, led by Jeremy Rockliff, can achieve a workable majority in parliament. His backing comes after recent efforts by the major parties to engage with crossbench members, who have yet to publicly decide which side to support. The future composition of the government will be determined when parliament reconvenes on July 19, 2023, following the inconclusive results of the recent election.
The independent review into the salmon industry has raised concerns, particularly regarding job security for those employed in the sector. O’Byrne expressed that he is still assessing the implications of the review, which has drawn criticism from various industry stakeholders. Critics argue the government is failing to uphold commitments made to those working in the industry.
Warnings issued on July 14 indicated that a potential mass fish kill could occur due to the ongoing presence of Piscirickettsia salmonis, a bacteria that has affected salmon stocks. Rockliff acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “This has been culminating for some time… there are broad views across the new parliament when it comes to the salmon industry.” He emphasized the importance of the industry for Tasmania, highlighting that it employs thousands of residents directly and indirectly.
The Labor Party, represented by Janie Finlay, remains critical of Rockliff’s leadership, asserting that he cannot be trusted. The Australian Workers’ Union condemned the decision to initiate a review of the industry and halt its expansion, labeling it a “disgraceful betrayal” of workers. Union Secretary Ian Wakefield noted that the salmon industry is already the most regulated primary industry in Tasmania, operating under stringent environmental guidelines. He dismissed the review as a politically motivated tool rather than a genuine assessment.
In a letter dated July 2, 2023, Rockliff had previously affirmed his support for the salmon industry, asserting that “there was no stronger supporter of (the) industry than the Tasmanian Liberals.” John Whittington, chief executive of Salmon Tasmania, criticized the government’s about-face, suggesting that Rockliff has reneged on his commitments.
The independent review will be conducted by a specialist organisation outside Tasmania, with a pause on marine expansion during its execution. The government has also committed to developing a Marine Environment Tasmania Act in consultation with parliament and the community. Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff has expressed caution regarding the government’s intentions, stating, “We will be working with all of you who care about our marine waterways to hold the Liberals to account on what they have promised.”
In the recent state election, both the Liberals and Labor fell short of the 18 seats needed for a majority, with the Liberals securing 14 seats and Labor 10. Rockliff has been reaffirmed as premier but now faces a no-confidence motion that could potentially lead to the installation of Labor leader Dean Winter as premier.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in the salmon industry and the broader Tasmanian community await further clarity on the government’s direction and its impact on employment and environmental sustainability.
