Independent Tasmania salmon industry review terms of reference changed

The terms of reference for an independent review into Tasmania’s salmon industry have been changed to allow for recommendations to be made at the end of the study.

On Monday, the state government released the terms of reference for the salmon study.

The Liberals promised the review in the aftermath of the July state election as a way to appease and gain support from the largely progressive crossbench to form a minority government.

But the Greens and Peter George, who are staunchly anti-salmon farming, took issue with the original terms of reference released on Monday because it would only allow the independent reviewer to make findings and observations.

However, Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said that “following feedback from interested stakeholders”, the terms of reference had been altered to allow for recommendations to be made to the government.

“The independent study will also allow the opportunity for community consultation,” Mr Pearce said.

“The government’s rationale for the study remains the same: to focus on transparency, science and best practice, so that we can protect our environment, strengthen public confidence and provide investment certainty for the industry's future.”

Mr George welcomed the change, with the independent Franklin MP saying the original terms of reference blindsided the crossbench after being released without notice.

In a letter to Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Mr George told him “your decision to ambush the crossbench by releasing the so-called 'final' draft Terms of Reference for the salmon inquiry — without warning, consultation, or even the courtesy of completing ongoing discussions with your departmental officials — demonstrates a profound lack of respect and good faith”.

“The crossbench will remain cautious as we further negotiate the terms of reference,” Mr George said.

“The government’s track record of commissioning inquiries, reports and public consultations at great expense and then ignoring their recommendations is notorious.

“The recommendations of the Planning Commission’s inquiry into the Mac Point stadium are merely the latest example.”

Mr George said the independent reviewer's ability to make recommendations was necessary.

“This was always a non-negotiable condition of the inquiry from the crossbench, without which an inquiry would have no useful purpose and would be a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Tasmanian Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff said she had spoken to Mr Rockliff directly after the original terms of reference had been released.

“While there are still a range of other issues with the study that have not been addressed, we are glad the government has at least agreed to the bare minimum – that this process will result in recommendations being made,” Dr Woodruff said.

“We are also pleased they’ve confirmed there is an expectation for an open submission process for the public.
“It’s good to see the Rockliff Government haven’t just stuck to what they released early in the week and has listened to some of our concerns.

“In future, we are hopeful these matters can be resolved earlier and that commitments to consultation are kept.”

State Labor deputy leader Janie Finlay and Salmon Tasmania CEO John Whittington opposed the changes.

“We are shocked that the terms of reference of the study have been changed after they were publicly released,” Dr Whittington said.

“We have never supported the need for the study, and this retrospective change to the terms of reference reinforces our deep concerns about its purposes and credibility.”

Ms Finlay said the new terms of reference for the salmon review were an example of a backroom deal to appease Mr George and the Greens.

“The so-called 'independent' review has never been about sustainability – it’s all about politics,” she said.

“It’s only about Jeremy Rockliff doing whatever it takes to stay in power, no matter the cost to Tasmanian workers and regional communities.

“Every industry in Tasmania is on notice.

“Who will Jeremy Rockliff and the Liberals sell out the next time they need to keep the Greens and Peter George happy?”