Welcome to the latest edition of Clark Matters, Andrew’s monthly email newsletter to help keep you abreast of federal politics and what he’s been up to.
Federal Government and Opposition in race to the bottom over salmon farming
The Federal Government’s proposal to exempt salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour from environmental laws under the guise of a “national interest project” was followed by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announcing that he wouldn’t stop salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour, even if the Maugean skate’s threatened species’ status is upgraded to “critically endangered”. The major parties’ support for unrestrained salmon farming is irresponsible and short-sighted.
The detrimental impact of the salmon industry, particularly on the Maugean skate is irrefutable. Low dissolved oxygen levels, plastic pollution, and underreporting of fish deaths and escapes cause further environmental damage.
Andrew will continue at every opportunity to press the Federal Government to stop salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour. There must also be a moratorium on new farms elsewhere, existing farms need relocation into deeper waters, and a credible plan developed for the eventual migration to exclusively onshore farming.
High time for greyhound racing to be abolished
New Zealand’s move to ban greyhound racing should be a wake-up call to Australia. Now just one of just four countries in the world that still tolerate this cruel and barbaric industry, Australia has more tracks than the remaining three countries combined. This year alone over a hundred dogs have died racing, and more than 11,500 have been injured.
How any state or territory government can allow this cruelty to continue, often with significant taxpayer support, beggars belief. They either wilfully turn a blind eye to the animal cruelty or are scared stiff of the greyhound racing industry. Either way, it appears to be another case of politicians totally beholden to the parasites in the gambling industry.
The industry must be banned. If state and territory government won’t do that then the Federal Government needs to intervene, easily achieved using communications legislation to prohibit online greyhound race gambling. Andrew intends to pursue this during the next parliament.
Financial crime regulator AUSTRAC takes action on gambling companies
It’s refreshing to see positive action consistent with Andrew’s private members bill to stop gambling companies benefiting from illegal money, with AUSTRAC suing British gambling corporation Entain over non-compliance with Australian anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
Andrew’s proposed legislation places the onus on gambling companies to ensure that funds they are handling are not the proceeds of crime. The bill also stipulates mandatory reporting of illegal money to AUSTRAC, with non-compliance requiring the gambling companies to repay the funds to the victims of crime.
Yours sincerely
