Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS and ENVIRONMENT, Mr DUIGAN
According to data from NRET, there is an ongoing, very high‑level use of crackers or explosives in the salmon industry. NRET data shows that 1800 of these explosives were used by multinational foreign corporations in Tasmanian waters in the first six months of this year for an industry that your government calls best practice. These explosives kill and maim seals that are protected against every threat except the industries. Brazilian multinational corporation, JBS, which now owns Huon, is the biggest user of these explosives.
(1) why is this still happening?
(2) what actions, if any, is Parks and Wildlife or the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) undertaking to control or limit the use of these explosives?
(3) as minister, do you regard the use of these crackers or explosives as world’s best practice?
ANSWER
Mr President, I thank the member for the question. It is an issue that is managed by Marine Resources and, in that circumstance, is a question for another minister, Mr Abetz, I believe. It is not part of my portfolio responsibility.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Ms O’CONNOR – It was not that long ago the Parks and Wildlife took responsibility for the rehabilitation and recovery of seals that were impacted by the industry. Can I confirm with you, as minister for Parks, and therefore threatened and endangered species, and for the Environment Protection Authority, you have no responsibility or no capacity to affect or change the use of explosives on protected fur seals in Tasmanian waters?
Mr DUIGAN – Yes, I am happy to confirm that that is managed by Marine Resources.
Ms O’CONNOR – So, who is the minister?
Mr DUIGAN – I believe that is Mr Abetz.
