Senate Protest with Rotten Fish at Parliament: Senators Unable to Withstand the Smell
The bill protecting Australia’s salmon industry in Tasmania caused chaos in parliament. Green Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young carried out a protest with a decaying fish.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s bill to protect salmon farming in Macquarie Harbor, Tasmania, sparked heated debates in the Senate.
Opponents of the bill argue that pollution from the farms could endanger the Tasmanian Maugean skate species. Senator Hanson-Young, in protest of the bill, displayed a decapitated and decaying giant salmon at parliament. “Decaying, toxic salmon industry is being given a privilege in our environmental laws. What toxic industry will be next in line?” she criticized Labor Party Senator Jenny McAllister sharply. TENSE MOMENTS IN THE SENATE Senate President Sue Lines repeatedly warned Senator Hanson-Young to remove the fish. However, disregarding the warnings, Hanson-Young continued her protest by banging the fish on the table. Meanwhile, some senators covered their noses with their hands due to the bad smell. Senator McAllister said, “Australians expect responsible behavior from public representatives rather than flashy actions.”
WHAT DOES THE BILL BRING? The controversial bill aims to protect salmon farms in Macquarie Harbor and restrict the public’s right to object to environmental approvals. It also removes the Environment Minister’s power to review decisions in case of environmental harm. Prime Minister Albanese stated that the law aims to protect employment in the region. However, according to data from the Australian Institute, 58% of the public support the removal of fishing farms in areas where the Maugean skate resides. According to the Environmental Defense Office, expanding salmon farms threaten marine ecosystems by creating more pollution. This jeopardizes the future of the endangered Maugean skate. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie accused the government of supporting the “wrong side” by reminding that 65% of Tasmanians are against salmon farming. As debates continue, the vote on the bill in the Senate is eagerly awaited.
