Opened the debate
Pocock argued that the government had failed to adequately address the crisis caused by toxic algal blooms in South Australia. Pocock described witnessing yellow sludge on beaches and speaking with surfers and business owners who reported skin reactions and respiratory issues. Pocock stated that hundreds of marine creatures, including seals, sharks, dolphins, and rare sea dragons, had died or been stranded along the coast. Pocock characterised the situation as a major crisis threatening livelihoods in fishing and tourism industries, with impacts expected to last for months or years. Pocock criticised the Minister for the Environment and Water for visiting the state only briefly and providing funding that was insufficient compared to the economic losses. Pocock attributed the worsening conditions to rising ocean temperatures driven by fossil fuel use and the degradation of natural barriers like seagrass and kelp systems.