According to the news the opposition in South Australia is demanding a parliamentary inquiry into a failed west coast aquaculture company. It is observed that the company Australian Bight Abalone is in voluntary administration and a series of meetings of investors is being held. Elliston residents have questioned issues including how the business was allowed in a sensitive environmental area.
The news also reported that SA Opposition fisheries spokesman Adrian Pederick opined that there may be nothing untoward, but the company’s establishment and operation warrant a select committee inquiry. He further told that this does not warrant just slipping under the carpet. He thinks there needs to be an investigation how Australian Bight Abalone has been structured.
According to Pederick there should be just an independent inquiry into the whole program, whether it’s government or lobbyists, just to see what has happened in the program and see if there is any murkiness that comes out. SA Fisheries Minister Paul Caica has rejected the call for a select committee. He is confident that all transactions involving Australian Bight Abalone have been in accordance with the Act, including public notification where required.
