Today in Parliament, Premier Rockliff acknowledged he’s sold out Tasmanian coastal communities and our marine waters to predatory global corporations, but refused to talk about the donations salmon giants give to Liberal Party coffers.
The Greens understand Premier Rockliff hosted a corporate Liberal Party fundraising dinner last Wednesday, with tickets going for $4,400 per head – an amount just below his government’s proposed donation disclosure threshold. The cosy group apparently included one of the Batista brothers from notorious new Huon Aquaculture owners JBS, and the CEO of new Tassal owners Cooke Seafood.
Premier Rockliff didn’t deny he told those present at this exclusive fundraising dinner his government is backing the salmon industry all the way, regardless of how unpopular it is. In fact, he doubled down on his position.
With a government so willing to do the bidding of industry, it’s no wonder Tasmania has attracted some of the worst multi-national corporations in the global food industry to our shores.
Jeremy Rockliff’s assurances to salmon bosses comes the same week as local communities, supported by international groups, amp up the fight against the takeover of Tasmanian waters by multinational corporate vandals.
Full page advertisements in local and national newspapers warned the Premier of the criminal and fraudulent record of Tasmania’s new salmon giants. Their methods include violating laws, litigating to avoid accountability, and causing disastrous environmental harms.
The Premier’s Liberal government has given full-throated support for a corporate takeover of our fragile marine waters. He should be in no doubt that defiant and united communities are committed to stand and protect what they love, and the Greens will be there with them.
