South Australian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis has called on Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia to apologise for his party’s “alarmist and misleading” commentary on the state’s harmful algal bloom outbreak, warning it is putting coastal businesses at risk.
The demand follows a series of social media posts by Liberal candidate Frank Pangallo comparing the algal bloom to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed more than seven million lives worldwide.
In one post, Pangallo claimed, “It was safer during COVID,” and shared an A.I.-generated image depicting a beach with blood-red water and a “toxic” sign, emblazoned with the slogan: “Fact: Going to the beach was safer during COVID.”
Pangallo also asserted that walking dogs along South Australian beaches was now “too risky” and complained about “taking a swim in a sea of stinking rotting creatures.”
The posts come only weeks after Pangallo was forced to apologise for previously using A.I. to spread false information about the bloom.
Koutsantonis described the latest remarks as “beyond the pale.”
“Wild, alarmist claims comparing the algal bloom outbreak to a global pandemic which claimed millions of human lives are incredibly damaging to hard-working local businesses, which depend upon coastal tourism for their livelihoods,” he said.
“How can Vincent Tarzia endorse this kind of reckless social media posting? He either endorses his star candidate’s outrageous claims, or he has simply lost control of his party. If it’s the former, he should apologise and sack Frank Pangallo. If it’s the latter, he should resign.”
The Minister said the Liberals’ misinformation campaign was directly undermining confidence in the state’s coastal communities, despite scientific advice that beaches remain safe when monitored appropriately.
His comments were echoed by Labor MP Lucy Hood, who warned that “inaccurate and negative perceptions about the extent of the harmful algal bloom are potentially more damaging than the bloom itself.”
“We are backing our scientific advice and have released a comprehensive suite of measures together with the Albanese Government under the $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan to protect South Australia’s coast, back coastal communities and support our summer lifestyle,” Hood said.
“Meanwhile, the Liberals simply post A.I.-generated memes in a bid to drive people away from beaches and coastal businesses.”
The Albanese and Malinauskas governments announced the $102.5 million plan this week, aimed at advancing research, protecting the marine environment, and supporting regional economies affected by the bloom.
Koutsantonis said it was “grossly irresponsible” for senior Liberal figures to continue spreading fear.
“South Australians deserve better than an Opposition actively working to undermine coastal businesses and communities,” he said.
The posts also appeared to contradict comments from Pangallo’s Liberal colleague, coastal MP David Basham, who told FIVEaa that it was important to “rely on the science” and ensure people “have the confidence to go when it is safe.”
