Labor all at sea on toxic bloom
While State and Federal Labor Governments bicker over the bungled response to the toxic algal bloom, communities and industries continue to suffer.
The sluggish response continued today with the Premier revealing that he’s only recently made an appeal for algal bloom funding support “in the last couple of days”, while a visit from the Federal Minister for Environment is unlikely to bring any good news for those impacted.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Josh Teague said the Premier is clearly out of his depth as his Ministers scramble to address the issue.
“Labor has bungled the algal bloom response from the outset, with total confusion and zero coordination with its federal counterparts on the relief industries and communities urgently need,” Mr Teague said.
“Despite the scale of this crisis, we’ve seen an unacceptable lack of urgency from both State and Federal Governments.
“The Premier even tried to distract the media with a press conference on an entirely different topic today, rather than tackling the matter head on.
“We’re pleased to see Murray Watt take our advice to get off his arse and come to South Australia, but he shouldn’t be shamed into visiting a natural disaster.”
Shadow Minister for Environment, David Basham added that the belated visit is a slap in the face for the communities and industries who’ve been dealing with the toxic algal bloom for months.
“I’m deeply concerned and frustrated by the environmental disaster unfolding along our coastline, particularly in my local electorate,” Mr Basham said.
“This isn’t just an eyesore, it’s a serious ecological threat, harming marine life, impacting local tourism, and jeopardising the livelihoods of those who rely on our waters.
“This needs to be seen for the disaster that it is, and for meaningful support to be delivered yesterday, not once the Federal Minister deigns to visit.”
The State Liberal party is calling for:
- A Royal Commission to examine the potential causes, solutions and recommendations for managing future events.
- Clear, transparent communication with local residents and stakeholders.
- Immediate emergency funding for businesses impacted by the algal bloom, including hospitality, tourism and fisheries.
- Immediate emergency funding for councils to manage environmental response and cleanup.
- The Federal Government to declare a natural disaster.
While State and Federal Labor Governments bicker over the bungled response to the toxic algal bloom, communities and industries continue to suffer.
The sluggish response continued today with the Premier revealing that he’s only recently made an appeal for algal bloom funding support “in the last couple of days”, while a visit from the Federal Minister for Environment is unlikely to bring any good news for those impacted.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Josh Teague said the Premier is clearly out of his depth as his Ministers scramble to address the issue.
“Labor has bungled the algal bloom response from the outset, with total confusion and zero coordination with its federal counterparts on the relief industries and communities urgently need,” Mr Teague said.
“Despite the scale of this crisis, we’ve seen an unacceptable lack of urgency from both State and Federal Governments.
“The Premier even tried to distract the media with a press conference on an entirely different topic today, rather than tackling the matter head on.
“We’re pleased to see Murray Watt take our advice to get off his arse and come to South Australia, but he shouldn’t be shamed into visiting a natural disaster.”
Shadow Minister for Environment, David Basham added that the belated visit is a slap in the face for the communities and industries who’ve been dealing with the toxic algal bloom for months.
“I’m deeply concerned and frustrated by the environmental disaster unfolding along our coastline, particularly in my local electorate,” Mr Basham said.
“This isn’t just an eyesore, it’s a serious ecological threat, harming marine life, impacting local tourism, and jeopardising the livelihoods of those who rely on our waters.
“This needs to be seen for the disaster that it is, and for meaningful support to be delivered yesterday, not once the Federal Minister deigns to visit.”
The State Liberal party is calling for:
- A Royal Commission to examine the potential causes, solutions and recommendations for managing future events.
- Clear, transparent communication with local residents and stakeholders.
- Immediate emergency funding for businesses impacted by the algal bloom, including hospitality, tourism and fisheries.
- Immediate emergency funding for councils to manage environmental response and cleanup.
- The Federal Government to declare a natural disaster.
We’re pleased to see Murray Watt take our advice to get off his arse and come to South Australia, but he shouldn’t be shamed into visiting a natural disaster.