Estuarine ecologist Faith Coleman has resigned from two South Australian government algal bloom panels. Her resignation follows testimony to a parliamentary committee in which she alleged that public servants were asked to postpone investigations into the bloom's causes. Environment Minister Lucy Hood has rejected these claims, stating there was no directive to delay scientific work.
Algal Bloom Inquiry and Allegations
An inquiry by the SA parliament's Joint Committee on Harmful Algal Blooms received testimony concerning alleged government interference in scientific research related to the bloom's origins. During a hearing, estuarine ecologist Faith Coleman stated that three public servants from different state agencies had informed her they were asked to postpone investigations into the bloom's cause until after the March state election.
Ms. Coleman later clarified to ABC Radio Adelaide that she possessed "no evidence that that is the case" but considered the claims significant enough to raise publicly. She indicated that the information originated from staff across two ministerial portfolios, though she did not identify the source of the alleged directive.
Government and Opposition Responses to Allegations
Environment Minister Lucy Hood rejected Ms. Coleman's statements, describing them as "incorrect." Minister Hood stated there was "no directive to go slow" on the response and referenced a "$100 million summer plan" as evidence of active government research, monitoring, and testing efforts. The government's stated position attributes the bloom to three environmental factors: River Murray floods, cold water upwelling introducing nutrients, and an unprecedented marine heatwave, information that is publicly available.
Opposition MP Nicola Centofanti called for an investigation into Ms. Coleman's allegations. Ms. Centofanti stated that the suggestion of delayed investigations for political reasons warrants a response from the premier and an inquiry into whether directives to delay scientific work were issued to multiple agencies and, if so, by whom.
Ecologist's Resignation from Panels
Dr. Coleman resigned from the SA HAB (Harmful Algal Bloom) Scientific Advisory Committee and the SA Algae Bloom Reference Group. In her resignation letter, Dr. Coleman stated that Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister Hood had indicated an "adversarial" rather than "collaborative" approach under the newly restructured cabinet. She also stated that her committee membership was used to discount her testimony.
Minister Hood accepted Dr. Coleman's resignation and denied taking an "adversarial" approach, stating that her comments were intended to correct the assertion of a government directive to slow investigations. Minister Hood emphasized the efforts of public servants in responding to the bloom and affirmed the government's commitment to listening to experts.
Dr. Coleman noted a brief phone call from the minister after her testimony, with no further discussion regarding her potential resignation. While reiterating support for public servants and acknowledging their efforts despite resource cuts, Dr. Coleman identified a gap in clearly articulating the causes of the bloom.
Scientific Context and Current Bloom Status
Previously, experts had indicated it was premature to determine the specific cause of the algal bloom. Newer research, pending peer review, has identified Karenia cristata as a predominant species within the bloom.
Recent data indicates low or no levels of Karenia, a type of algae, at 17 of 21 metropolitan sites and many regional testing sites. Elevated levels were recorded at Waitpinga Beach, Stokes Bay Boat Ramp, and Fitzgerald Bay, with results for Yorke Peninsula pending.