Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest had moved for the inquiry to focus on the regulatory framework of the industry.

However, the council voted 14 to 2 against the inquiry.

Hobart Independent member Rob Valentine supported Ms Forrest’s push for the inquiry.

Ms Forrest said there seemed to be concern that the committee would come up with negative findings.

“It could say we are heading down the right track” she said.

“Is it not better to know that and give the public some confidence in it?”

She argued that it was important to remember that there were other stakeholders not just the salmon industry and unions.

“Every Tasmanian is a stakeholder in this,” Ms Forrest said.

“Every Tasmanian cares about our brand and about employment in the marine farming industry.”

Ms Forrest said the future of the marine farming industry and all the jobs it created directly and indirectly depended on robust, independent research and evidence based regulatory framework.

“With out such a framework that we know is achieving the outcomes needed to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the industry, these jobs and those of co-existing industries such as tourism and commercial fishing and recreational fishing opportunities are all at risk,” she said.

A Senate select committee inquiry was held into the salmon industry in 2015 and made three recommendations for minor improvements.