Labor’s continual failure to support communities decimated by the algal bloom in South Australia will result in irreparable damage to the State’s fishing industry, with fisherman still waiting to access loan funding almost nine-months since the fish disappeared.

In a statement released on Thursday, Labor said it had ‘progressed’ a new loan product to support wild-catch fishers and aquaculture operators affected by the bloom, and that the ‘new products will be available in the first half of next year.’  That is despite the Prime Minister announcing an additional $1 billion in funding for the Regional Investment Corporation to administer the program back in August.

National Senator for New South Wales and Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Fisheries and Forestry, and Water, Ross Cadell said Labor’s continued inaction was proof they were more interested in photo opportunities than delivering actual support.

“At the current rate of inaction, there will be no one left to apply for the loans when they are eventually available,” Cadell said.

“Fisherman in South Australia saw squid and whiting disappear in early April, heard an announcement from the Prime Minister in August, and now ‘might’ get access to loan funding before June 30.

“When the bloom arrived on the beaches of Adelaide the Prime Minister decided he should pose for a photo. Once the metropolitan beaches re-opened, Labor seemingly forgot the people who depend on fish stocks for survival.

“Having to wait almost a year to access a loan you still have to pay back is a poor showing from a Government running low on credibility. Maybe the Prime Minister should try living for 12-months with no income?

“By the time funding arrives it will be akin to taking lifesaving medication to a crematorium.

“All too little, too late.”