Marielle Smith (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A couple of weekends ago, on a visit to one of our favourite beaches in South Australia, I held my children's hands as we surveyed yet another day of devastation caused by the algae bloom. From dead seahorses to sea snakes, with thousands of small fish rotting in the weeds, it was truly heartbreaking for me and my family, as it has been across South Australia. Our community is hurting right now. We have the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world—pristine beaches teeming with stunning marine life—and it is so hard to watch what has become of it. As this bloom lingers in our coastal waters, we are seeing its impact spread to tourism, farming and local businesses. This is so far from normal, but climate change means it won't be the last we see of these sorts of devastating events. This is heartbreaking for every South Australian, but it should serve as a reminder to everyone in this chamber that warming oceans and shifting marine conditions could hit any Australian community.

I want to assure South Australians that the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor governments are working side by side right now to provide the support people need not just immediately but into the future. I want to thank Senator Murray Watt for his work and sincere engagement. Our government has announced an additional $6.25 million, in addition to the $28 million jointly funded support package for science and research, business assistance, community awareness and support, and clean-up efforts. Peak council bodies are receiving support to service communities affected by the algae bloom.

This is an absolutely devastating event for South Australians. Every South Australian family who loves our coast as much as mine is hurting. We will continue to work together, as South Australians expect, to mitigate the worst of this event and keep looking towards the future.