A note from Kendall Crowe, General Manager, Policy, Advocacy and International Services
This week, the Chamber spoke up for business support at the highest levels of government.
On Monday, I attended the second meeting Harmful Algal Bloom Reference Group to ensure the voices of the broader business community were heard alongside other business representatives, including from the tourism and commercial/recreational fishing sectors.
Then on Wednesday, Chamber CEO Andrew Kay and I sat down at a high-level roundtable with Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Senator Murray Watt, joined by Deputy Premier Susan Close and three South Australian senators. We put the plight of affected SA businesses front and centre — emphasising the economic risks to coastal communities, the need for practical and inclusive support, and the urgency as we head into Spring and Summer.
The message was clear: this disaster demands serious attention in Canberra, and it’s not just a seafood issue. For some, the uncertainty and disruption are on par with the COVID border closures. We stressed that while many business owners are resourceful and resilient, winter’s natural slowdown means the full financial impact hasn’t yet hit. Government support must remain available as the effects continue to emerge — and eligibility criteria must not exclude businesses genuinely affected.
We also flagged the reputational damage being inflicted on both domestic and export seafood markets, and the critical role of consistent, fact-based messaging to counter unwarranted consumer fears.
Up-to-date information can be found on the State Government dedicated website: www.algalbloom.sa.gov.au.
Impacted businesses are encouraged to submit applications now via the State Government’s grant portal.
Is the algal bloom impacting your business?
