The Hon. David Basham, Shadow Minister for Environment (SA); The Hon. Nicola Centofanti, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries (SA), Joint Media Release, 9 September 2025

South Australians impacted by the harmful algal bloom sweeping South Australia’s shores are being denied a real opportunity to have their say – with the Senate inquiry into the crisis only allowing public evidence to be given at Port Lincoln.

Shadow Minister for Environment, David Basham said while the inquiry itself is welcome, restricting public hearings to one location risks silencing many of those directly impacted by this environmental crisis.

“We welcome the inquiry and have made a submission of our own – however, it is concerning that the only place where the public can give evidence is Port Lincoln,” Mr Basham said.

“For many, this simply isn’t feasible, especially when the algal bloom has devastated coastlines right across South Australia.”

Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Nicola Centofanti said the Malinauskas Labor Government’s bungled response has left communities, businesses and the environment paying the price.

“The Government’s inability to act has caused ripple effects across industries – from the environment to small business, people are really hurting,” Dr Centofanti said.

“South Australians deserved a stronger plan and better support from the outset.

“Our submission makes clear that we need the right mechanisms in place to manage this disaster and to ensure we are prepared for future events.

“It also outlines the need for an independent investigation, potentially through a Royal Commission, so that we can restore public confidence moving forward.”

The State Liberal Opposition’s submission recommends:

• Independent Investigation: An independent review into the causes of the harmful algal bloom, with transparent findings published to restore public confidence amidst unclear and a perceived inconsistency in public messaging.
• Including a Royal Commission in the harmful algal bloom, with recommended terms of reference to include:

1. A review of marine environment monitoring.
2. Identifying key environmental early warning signs of harmful algal blooms.
3. Examining health impacts of the algae to marine life and humans.
4. Recommendations to assist environmental recovery.
5. Economic impact of marine disasters on coastal communities and industries.
6. Environmental impact on estuarine and coastal ecosystems.
7. Preventative measures to avoid or reduce impact of future events.
8. Recommendations for how to respond to future events.

• Monitoring and Benchmarking Enhancements: Significant investment in remote sensing, DNA labs, and coastal surveillance for early intervention and tracking against healthy levels of algae and general water quality.
• Financial Support: Broadening of grants to coastal sectors including the revival of a Great State Vouchers scheme; provision of fee relief; declaration of the crisis as a natural disaster to unlock meaningful federal funding.
• Guidelines and Research: Evidence-based fishing regulations; health advisories; mitigation studies from precedents (e.g. comparative algal bloom crises clay treatments, release of water flows, mitigating human contributing factors).
• Engagement: Include locals, indigenous groups, and experts; prioritisation of professional science over informal sources.
• Preparedness: Joint federal and state task force; proactive plans informed by data.