Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
Yesterday, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Tasmania released a statement on the risks of antimicrobial resistance from salmon farming. They make it clear that yes, the use of antibiotics in marine environments is a recipe for resistance. They outline, as the science has warned, that antibiotics used in open salmon pens inevitably spread into the marine environment. The AMA are clear that your government’s support for the emergency use of florfenicol last summer carried ‘demonstrable public health and environmental risks’. The AMA’s recommendations are precisely what the Greens and independent scientists have been calling for, and your government has been refusing. They include no emergency antibiotic approvals, mandatory real-time disclosure of antibiotic use, and requiring companies to reduce stocking densities. Premier, will you acknowledge the human health risks of antibiotics in salmon farming and commit to immediately adopting each of the AMA’s recommendations?
The SPEAKER – The member’s time has expired.
ANSWER
I thank the honourable member for the question. Your question refers to the use of florfenicol within the aquaculture industry, namely the salmon industry. The antibiotic was used by the Tasmanian salmon industry to treat farmed salmon from November 2025 to March 2026, and the use of florfenicol was undertaken under an emergency permit granted by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
While the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is responsible for ensuring that the monitoring of antibiotic residues in the environment is undertaken and to ensure that the use of antibiotics in finfish farming does not cause environmental harm, they continue to work closely with the Department of Health through this ongoing process. I’m advised that there are no reports of adverse human health effects from eating seafood with florfenicol residues.
At the time, the Director of Public Health provided precautionary advice about wild fish and seafood caught recreationally in marine waters within three kilometres from where florfenicol was administered to farmed salmon. I am advised that Public Health has reviewed all monitoring results to date and maintained its precautionary advice. If a person chooses to avoid eating finfish that may contain florfenicol residue, they may choose to avoid eating wild fish caught within three kilometres of a treated lease for 21 days after treatment finishes.
I am also advised, honourable Speaker, that the department has reviewed information and data from the monitoring program associated with the first use of florfenicol for the treatment of farmed salmon in Tasmania to inform any refinement of their advice. However, I’m advised the situation has not changed; there remains no evidence of harm to human health from consuming traces of florfenicol.
I understand further that the Environment Protection Authority is already doing work within this space through a research project to investigate the potential impacts of florfenicol use on microbial communities and the potential development of antibiotic resistance within those communities over time. This research is being led by the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, with timeframes being confirmed with the IMAS and other partners in the project. In the meantime, I’m advised that the Department of Health, through the Director of Public Health, continues to work closely with the EPA and NRE in regard to public health.
Supplementary Question
Dr WOODRUFF – Honourable Speaker, the Premier didn’t in any way answer the question about the AMA’s statement. There are a bunch of recommendations, and he has just read the opposite of what the AMA has concluded. There is a harm to human health, a potential public health risk from antimicrobial resistance. Will he immediately assess and adopt the recommendations from the AMA about managing antibiotic use in salmon farming?
Mr ROCKLIFF – I thank the honourable member for her question. I’m aware of the AMA’s comments and, indeed, call for an independent inquiry into these matters. I can only advise the House on what I have done a few moments ago around the EPA doing work in this space –
Dr Woodruff – This is a public health risk. What are you going to do?
The SPEAKER – Order, honourable Leader of the Greens.
Mr ROCKLIFF – through a research project to investigate the potential impacts of florfenicol use on microbial communities and the potential development of antibiotic resistance within those communities over time. In the meantime –
Dr Woodruff – The paper – can you please respond to it?
The SPEAKER – Honourable Leader of the Greens, this is your first warning.
Mr ROCKLIFF – In the meantime, honourable member, I am advised again that the Department of Health, through the Director of Public Health, continues to work closely with the EPA and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE) in regard to public health.
