SENATOR ROSS CADELL
Shadow Minister for Fisheries and Forestry
Federal Nationals Senator for NSW
SENATOR MATT O’SULLIVAN
Shadow Assistant Minister for Fisheries and Forestry
Federal Liberal Senator for Western Australia
The strategic importance of the salmon industry to Tasmania’s economy, and its role in the broader Australian seafood industry were key discussion points during a tour of Huon Aquaculture on Thursday.
Nationals Senator and Shadow Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Ross Cadell, joined fellow Coalition Senator and Shadow Assistant Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Matt O'Sullivan, for a tour of Huon’s facilities near Hobart, including a visit to the company’s southern marine leases on the Huon River.
“It was a great experience to witness firsthand the technology being implemented in our aquaculture industry, and to hear the challenges the industry faces,” Cadell said.
“Since being appointed last month, I have been working my way across the country to meet with industry stakeholders and to hear the perspectives of those with skin in the game.
“Understanding the challenges of industry, balanced against the perspectives of local communities will form a key piece in future policy decisions.”
“The Coalition are determined to see the Australian salmon industry grow and succeed long into the future.”
According to an industry report published by Salmon Tasmania, the industry injected almost $800 million into the Tasmania economy in 2022 and supported more than 5,000 full time equivalent jobs. In the Huon Valley, one in every four jobs was related to the salmon industry.
“The salmon industry is no doubt critical to the Tasmanian economy and has long been a contributor to economic wealth in the State.
“To visit regions like the Huon Valley serves as an important reminder of the importance of supporting Australian industry.” Cadell said.
Shadow Assistant Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Matt O'Sullivan, described the trip as a great experience to understand the value of the Tasmanian salmon industry.
“Visiting Huon Aquaculture, one of the leading salmon producers in the nation, highlighted the cutting-edge innovation driving Tasmania’s salmon farming industry.”
“Tasmania’s salmon farming industry is world-class, built on strong local foundations.”
“There is no substitute for engaging with those on the ground, from nursery managers to feed control operators. Supporting industries like the Tasmanian salmon farming means backing the generations of Australian men, women and families who built them.” Said Senator O’Sullivan.