A Senate investigation has delivered a sharp critique of how both state and federal authorities managed the algal bloom crisis in South Australia, accusing them of being “ill-prepared… and asleep at the wheel.”

In an extensive report of over 200 pages released today, the inquiry outlines what it describes as a sluggish response to the crisis, further hindered by bureaucratic red tape.

“In the initial phase of the toxic algal bloom that wreaked havoc along our coastline, the federal government was busy debating whether the issue fell under state or federal jurisdiction,” remarked federal Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

The report proposes 14 key recommendations, including the creation of a support initiative similar to JobKeeper for impacted businesses and workers, a voluntary buy-back option for fishing licenses, and a significant financial investment aimed at restoring the marine ecosystem.

“We need half a billion dollars dedicated to environmental restoration to allow nature to heal itself… and this funding must be provided by the federal government,” stated Hanson-Young.

The state government has defended its handling of the crisis.

“We’re dealing with an unpredictable ecological event that humans can’t control… if there was a silver bullet solution here, it would have been deployed a long time ago,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

State Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia criticised both levels of government following the release of the report.

“What we need is a generational investment in our oceans,” he said. 

“But what we saw today is a generational failure from (the) state and Labor federal governments.”

The report also detailed concerns about the timeliness and accessibility of updated health advice, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions like asthma.

But the state government insists its advice has been accurate and informed by science.