The EPA has refused to commit to additional transparency measures if florfenicol continues to be used in public waterways by salmon companies, following the suspension of the emergency use permit.
For months, the Greens have been asking the Environment Minister, the Minister for Primary Industries, the Premier, and the EPA about the total quantity of florfenicol used in Tasmania’s marine environment this summer.
At every turn, we’ve been told this information isn’t available, and won’t be available until after the EPA has completed their antibiotic monitoring program – months after florfenicol treatment has ceased.
When asked whether the EPA would consider changing the regulations to require salmon companies to provide information about florfenicol use as soon as treatment begins, the Director refused, citing anti-competitive laws.
When the Greens reminded the EPA that they have broad powers to change environmental licence conditions, request information, and make decisions about publishing that information publicly, the Director said that the EPA doesn’t need information about antibiotic use in real-time, so they’re not going to ask the salmon companies for it.
When asked whether the EPA considers it has a responsibility to be transparent with Tasmanians about antibiotic use in public waterways, the Director initially refused to answer the question.
While it’s important that information released to the public is factually correct and based in science, it is equally important the public are informed when antibiotics are used in public waterways, and how much antibiotics have been used, in real time.
