Queensland Fishery Minister Sat On Reports Of Sick Fish, Sick Fishermen For Months, Foes Claim

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Queensland Fisheries Minister Craig Wallace has denied claims he was aware of a health scare at Gladstone months before he took action. A fishing ban was imposed at Gladstone harbour on September 16 after sick fish were found with sores and cloudy eyes.

The government has appointed a scientific panel to investigate the cause, with initial tests identifying two conditions, red-spot disease and a parasite. Further tests are under way. Fishing groups say it's a human health risk, with several commercial fishermen developing rashes and nausea after handling the sick fish.

Opposition fisheries spokesman Mark Robinson accuses Mr Wallace of not responding to the health scare immediately. "Gladstone fishermen claim the government received reports of sick fish at least three months ago, so the minister has some explaining to do," Dr Robinson said.

"The scientific inquiry should have been called when the problems first appeared rather than waiting for people to fall ill."

EDIT

http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/queensland-government-sat-on-sick-fish-report-opposition-20111004-1l6f2.html