Premier Jeremy Rockliff has confirmed in Budget Estimates that the use of florfenicol is the direct cause of shutdowns applied to the southern rock lobster industry.
The Premier also refused to rule out prohibiting the use of florfenicol by salmon companies during the period leading up to Christmas, meaning Tasmanians and commercial fishing industries could suffer significant consequences at this crucial time.
Tasmanian commercial fishers – like the rock lobster industry – are already dealing with shutdowns, and now they’re facing the prospect of being unable to operate during their most important time. And the Tassie tradition of catching a feed for the Christmas table is also under threat for many communities too.
Jeremy Rockliff and the Liberals – cheered on by Labor – are putting the profits of multinational corporations ahead of everything else. They should be making sure Tasmanians can catch fish or crays without antibiotic residue across Christmas and summer.
What happened to the Premier’s promise that the salmon industry was “on notice”?
