Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I think I got a question last week from Senator Duniam which was probably the other side of this discussion, and I appreciate, as with so many issues in Tasmania, they're very strongly held views on either side of a very clear line. I appreciate that your focus is on one aspect of these matters in relation to Macquarie Harbour. Obviously, I got a question last week in relation to the Tasmanian salmon industry, and I would refer you to my answer to Senator Duniam about the industry.

I'm advised that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will soon begin consultation about salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour. The consultation is as a result of applications made under the national environment laws by three groups who argue that salmon farming is having an unacceptable impact on the maugean skate—as you said, an endangered fish. I'd make the point that the environmental laws which require these applications to be considered were passed by the Howard government in, I think, early 2000.

In addition, Ms Plibersek has announced a $2.1 million commitment to establish a captive breeding program to help the maugean skate. Obviously, there will be an opportunity in the consultation to consider the work of the joint Tasmanian and federal government maugean skate recovery team, the decision of the Tasmanian government's EPA, conservation advice on the maugean skate, community views and any other relevant matters.