PM pledges to legislate to protect Mac Harbour salmon jobs

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the Federal Government will legislate to protect salmon jobs in Macquarie Harbour.

 "I can confirm that the Australian Government will introduce legislation to ensure appropriate environmental laws are in place to continue sustainable salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour", Mr Albanese said in a letter the major salmon companies today.

"My commitment to you, your employees, suppliers and the community is that salmon farming operations on Macquarie Harbour will continue and that no jobs will be lost."

The commitment coincided with the release of new data today from the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) finding that the number of Mauguen Skates in Macquarie Harbour has increased to 2014 levels.

The announcement appears to over-ride a long-running review of salmon farming's Federal approvals to operate in Macquarie Harbour, sparked by concerns of environmental groups in 2023.

The news was welcomed by the West Coast Mayor, Shane Pitt.

“When I got the call this morning, I couldn’t help but fist-pump the air. This is exceptional news, and exactly what we’ve been asking for the past 18-months. 

“Our community here on the West Coast, especially in Strahan, will breathe a collective sigh of relief. 

“We’re proud of our salmon industry and our salmon workers, and they deserve to have the strong future that has now been guaranteed. 

“I want to commend our salmon industry, workers, their families and our wider community for standing up for our industry and making our leaders listen."

While welcoming the news, Liberal politicians also criticised the move, claiming that the Prime Minister couldn't be trusted to deliver the promise after the imminent Federal election.