Albanese Government Advances Bill to Shield Tasmanian Salmon Industry
The legislation, set to pass this week with Coalition backing, curtails environmental protections and faces backlash over risks to the endangered Maugean skate and broader environmental laws.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is introducing amendments to the EPBC Act to protect Tasmania's salmon farming industry from legal challenges, with parliamentary approval expected by March 26, 2025.
- The legislation prevents reconsideration of certain environmental approvals, sparking concerns from environmental groups about its potential to weaken protections for other industries like coal and gas.
- Environmental advocates and some Labor MPs criticize the bill, citing risks to the critically endangered Maugean skate, whose habitat in Macquarie Harbour is impacted by salmon farming operations.
- Labor MPs secured a commitment from the government to establish a federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA) if re-elected, following criticism over shelving the promise earlier in the term.
- The Coalition supports the bill, emphasizing job security in Tasmania, while environmental groups warn of long-term harm to Australia's environmental governance framework.
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
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Brisbane Times 
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