2025-07-07
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator for South Australia and spokesperson for the Environment has written to the Prime Minister to urge for a national response to the devastating South Australian algae bloom.
"For months, the coastline in South Australia has been under attack by a toxic algal bloom. So far, most of the response has been led by the local community, without any formal government support.
"Just last week we learned that senior members of the federal government were not even aware of the disaster unfolding on our beaches. This is simply not good enough.
"I have written to the Prime Minister because South Australians cannot be left to deal with this environmental disaster on our own.
"If there were dead fish washing up on Bondi Beach every day, there would be a national outcry and response. South Australians deserve the same support from our federal government that east coast states would demand."
"We know that this has been caused by the climate crisis, just like the extreme weather events like fires and floods. The federal government has an important role to play when it comes to managing climate change events, climate mitigation and adaptation.
"A declaration of a national disaster is important to ensure that there are significant resources available to conduct the science that is desperately needed and support the communities and industries that are bearing the brunt of this crisis.
"Our fishing and tourism industries are being decimated by this disaster. The scientists tell us that we could be facing another 18 months with this toxic algal bloom. To protect our important industries we need a proper support package."