LABOR’S FAILURE TO ACT MEANS THE WINDOW TO FIX ALGAL BLOOM MAY BE GONE

SENATOR THE HON ANNE RUSTON

SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE

SHADOW MINISTER FOR DISABILITY AND THE NDIS

SHADOW MINISTER FOR SPORT

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE

SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ANGIE BELL MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

SHADOW MINISTER FOR YOUTH

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MONCRIEFF

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

16 August 2025

LABOR’S FAILURE TO ACT MEANS THE WINDOW TO FIX ALGAL BLOOM MAY BE GONE

The South Australian algal bloom has now been labelled one of the worst-recorded algal bloom outbreaks in the world.

International scientist and Director of the US National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms, Dr Donald Anderson, has expressed concern that this bloom has become so large that it may no longer be logistically possible to neutralise.

This is a devastating outcome that could have been avoided had the state and federal Labor governments taken early action when they were first warned.

It is both the Malinauskas and Albanese governments’ inaction and delay that has allowed this environmental disaster to spiral out of control.

Shadow Minister for the Environment, Angie Bell said that Australian scientists warned the government over 18 months ago of the impending disaster but were ignored.

“Five months ago, Australian scientists raised their concern again with this government as marine animals started washing up dead on South Australian beaches,” Ms Bell said.

“It was only then, after more than 14,000 marine creatures died, local fishing and tourism businesses hit rock bottom and only on the eve of Parliament returning last month, that the Minister took notice.

“This is a catastrophic disaster and the Prime Minister, in his upcoming visit, must listen to local businesses and scientists, and prevent this situation from becoming even worse.”

Senator for South Australia, Anne Ruston said that it is unacceptable that the Prime Minister has still not even visited the state to see the damage firsthand.

“This is now one of the worst algal blooms in the world, covering 4,500 square kilometres of South Australian coastline. The Albanese Government’s delay may have destroyed the opportunity for effective intervention, and it is local communities and businesses who will be forced to pay the price,” Senator Ruston said.

“Clearly, there was a crucial window when the bloom should have been tackled, learning from international expertise and experience, but the Government chose to sit on its hands and now that window may have closed.”

The Coalition is calling for urgent action to address this disaster and support the affected communities.

ENDS