22 July 2025
The SA Greens have welcomed the State Government finally backing their call for urgent funding to deal with the toxic algal crisis but say the compensation package is inadequate and SA Labor is still failing to take the climate crisis seriously.
Robert Simms is Greens MLC in State Parliament:
“The ABC broke this story in March. The Greens first raised the matter in Parliament in May. Four months later the Premier has finally done something - but South Australia deserves better.”
“The Greens welcome the Government finally putting some money on the table for monitoring, testing, and clean up, but sadly more needs to be done.”
“$10,000 grants for small businesses will barely touch the sides, particularly if this crisis continues into the long term.”
“Today’s package is also silent on climate. The Premier started the day by recognising that climate change is playing a clear role in this crisis, yet his government is still locked in arms with the gas lobby. In the months while this crisis has worsened, Labor have urged new drilling for gas and oil in South Australia, despite experts warning this will make the problem worse.”
“The fossil fuel tenders to drill in the Otway and Polda Basins must be cancelled now.”
“As Labor pitch for SA to host the COP climate conference, they should put their money where their mouth is by scrapping taxpayer subsidies to fossil fuels and putting a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling in SA.”
“Next year’s state election will be referendum on climate and both Labor and the Liberals have shown themselves to be missing in action on this issue.”