Greens Senator Protests Algal Bloom with Dead Seadragons in Parliament
Senator Steph Hodgins-May of the Greens party displayed dead leafy seadragons in the Senate chamber. The action served as a protest against what she described as government inaction regarding an algal bloom affecting the coast of South Australia. She also called for the implementation of a levy on windfall gas profits.
The Greens senator presented approximately 100 dead leafy seadragons, provided by affected communities, to highlight alleged government inaction on a toxic algal bloom and demand a levy on windfall gas profits.
Allegations of Environmental Destruction
Hodgins-May stated that a toxic algal bloom, which she attributed to entities she referred to as "polluters like Santos," has resulted in the destruction of numerous marine animals. She asserted that the bloom has impacted 20,000 kilometers of coastline, negatively affecting the economy and causing distress within communities.
Profiteering Amidst Ecological Harm
The Senator indicated that Santos is experiencing substantial profits, while local children are encountering an increased number of dead marine animals on beaches. She highlighted the leafy seadragon as South Australia's marine emblem, describing it as a creature of "fragile, extraordinary beauty." Hodgins-May presented approximately 100 dead seadragons, which she stated were provided by affected communities.
Precedent for Parliamentary Protest
This event is the second such protest by a Greens senator in recent memory, following Senator Sarah Hanson-Young's display of a dead salmon in the chamber in March of the preceding year.