‘Rotten, stinking’: Shocking act in parliament protesting salmon industry lifeline

In a dramatic and shocking protest in parliament, Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young held up a rotting fish in the Senate as she criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to throw the Tasmanian salmon industry a lifeline.

Albanese bypassed Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and vowed to protect salmon farms in key seats in Tasmania after years of uncertainty following environmental concerns it could negatively impact the critically endangered Maugean skate.

Hanson-Young directed a question to Senator Jenny McAllister in the Senate today, asking whether she supported Albanese’s protective measure.

“On the eve of the election, have you sold out your environmental credentials for a rotten, stinking extinction salmon?” she said while pulling out the dead salmon and showing it to the room.

Her act was met with cries of shock, visible on the faces of her peers, to which the speaker called for order.

“It’s a prop, remove it from the chamber,” the speaker said and Hanson-Young removed the fish.

Legislation that allows salmon farming to continue in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour and tightens the rules around reviewing prior government decisions passed the lower house yesterday.

The Greens wanted the bill considered by a parliamentary committee but their attempt was blocked by the two major parties. 

The bill, which is believed to be supported by the opposition, is with the Senate today.

Earlier today, the topic also caught the eye of Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who called out the issue just weeks after criticising the government for a mine expansion in Western Australia.

DiCaprio, who is a self-described environmentalist and creator of Earth Alliance, asked his social media following to support the Maugean skate and shut down the farms.

“This week the Australian government will decide the fate of Macquarie Harbor and has an opportunity to shut down destructive industrial non-native salmon farms, protecting the Maugean Skate,” he wrote on social media.

“This shallow estuary off the Tasmanian coast is one of the most important places in the world – now designated as a (Key Biodiversity Area) — which means it’s essential for the planet’s overall health and the persistence of biodiversity.

“Help save the Maugean Skate… and prevent the extinction of this unique species and protect this wilderness from destruction.”

He supported activists, who claimed the clearing would put endangered species at risk.

”The mining company (South32) is set to clear 9600 acres of this old growth forest, which is home to threatened species like the Critically Endangered Woylie,” he wrote.

“This operation will destroy critical habitat for over 8000 species, 80 per cent of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

“While native forest logging was banned in Western Australia in 2024, clearance of native forests for mining is still allowed due to separate government policies that prioritise mining development over environmental protection.”

Albanese hit back at the actor when he was questioned about the comments at a press conference on March 13.

“Are you a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio?” a journalist asked.

“Depends on the movie, mate,” Albanese said.

“He’s used his profile to complain about your government approving a bauxite mine in Western Australia,” the journalist said.

”If Leonardo DiCaprio knows where a bauxite mine is in Western Australia, I’d be very surprised,” Albanese said.

When asked whether the actor had a point, Albanese said: “I don’t know, I haven’t seen. I don’t follow Leonardo DiCaprio.”