Iconic produce celebrated at Parliament house

TASMANIA'S Parliament recently hosted its annual Wine and Seafood Night in the House, offering an opportunity for Parliamentarians to connect with the producers behind some of the state’s best seafood and wine.

Now in its third year, the event was organized by Primary Industries and Water Minister Jane Howlett, along with Business, Industry, and Resources Minister Eric Abetz.

The event showcased the achievements of Tasmania's wine and seafood industries in 2024 including recent wine awards and Tasmania’s recent recognition at the 2024 National Seafood Industry Awards.

Tasmania took home awards in three categories: Tassal Group won the Large Business award, Melshell Sea Farms won the Small Business title, and Hursey Seafoods was named the top restaurant.

Minister Howlett said Tasmania is internationally renowned for the wine it produces, with the sector winning numerous prestigious awards over the years.

“Our wine sector has built an enviable position over many decades with a clear and unwavering focus on driving demand, quality and value ahead of growth in production,” Ms Howlett said.

“The wine sector plays a crucial role in achieving the Tasmanian Government's AgriVision 2050 target which aims to increase the annual farmgate value of the Tasmanian agriculture and agri-food sectors to $10 billion a year by 2050,” she said.

Minister Abetz said Tasmania punches well above its weight when it comes to seafood, with a combined farm gate value of wild-catch and aquaculture sector production totalling over $1.4 billion in 2022-23— the highest value seafood industry in Australia.

The Wine and Seafood Night in the House was first initiated in 2021 by then Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett, to celebrate the world-class quality of Tasmanian wine and seafood, and to honour the dedicated producers who make it all possible.