Albanese Government Overlooked Environmental Warnings in Tasmanian Salmon Farming Decision
Freedom of information documents have exposed that the Albanese government disregarded critical advice from its own environment department before enacting legislation favoring salmon farming in Tasmania's Macquarie Harbour. The documents, released in late 2024, show that officials recommended revoking a 2012 decision that permitted the expansion of salmon farming in the harbour, citing substantial new information on environmental damage.
Environmental Impact and Endangered Species at Risk
The advice highlighted that salmon farming was significantly reducing dissolved oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour, adversely affecting the habitat, behavior, physiology, and population of the endangered Maugean skate, an ancient ray-like species found exclusively in the harbour. Additionally, the reduced oxygen levels were likely impacting the natural heritage values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which encompasses parts of the harbour. This recommendation came in response to a formal request from three environmental organizations in 2023, urging the government to reconsider the 2012 decision.
Government's Pro-Industry Legislation
Despite the departmental warning, the Labor government, under then Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, rejected the advice. Instead, it introduced and passed legislation in March 2025, supported by the opposition, to limit when third parties could request reconsideration of development decisions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured salmon companies that the changes would ensure appropriate environmental laws for sustainable salmon farming. Plibersek's successor, Murray Watt, later announced the rejection of the reconsideration request from the Australia Institute, the Bob Brown Foundation, and the Environmental Defenders Office.
Criticism and Legal Challenges
Tasmanian Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson condemned the government's actions, stating it showed a blatant disregard for expert scientific advice and prioritized industry over environmental protection. A government spokesperson defended the decision, noting the advice was from a single point under an outdated legislative framework and emphasized support for a sustainable salmon industry. However, campaigners like Eloise Carr argued that the industry has never undergone a proper environmental impact assessment under national law. The decision is now subject to a federal court challenge by NWTAS for Clean Oceans, opposing salmon farms.
Conservation Concerns for the Maugean Skate
The Maugean skate, listed as endangered since 2004, faces ongoing threats from salmon farming. In 2024, a government scientific committee reported extremely low population numbers, recommending scaling back or removing fish farming to save the species. While a later study by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies suggested a potential recovery to 2014 levels, it stressed the skate remains endangered and requires continuous monitoring. This situation underscores the tension between economic interests and environmental conservation in Tasmania.
