Greens Senator's Dramatic Senate Display with Dead Seahorses Halts Proceedings
Bizarre and confronting scenes unfolded in the Australian Senate in Canberra as Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May brandished a chain of dead seahorses, accusing energy giant Santos of profiting from environmental destruction. The Victorian senator's actions brought parliamentary proceedings to a standstill, with her microphone being repeatedly muted during a fiery address.
Senator's Emotional Plea Over Marine Death Toll
Senator Hodgins-May held aloft 13 dead seahorses that she said were among more than 100 personally sent to her by constituents affected by South Australia's devastating algae bloom. "When will Santos be held accountable for their climate destruction?" she demanded of the chamber. The ecological disaster has reportedly killed over 87,000 marine animals since the 4,500 square kilometer bloom first erupted in early 2025.
The senator described heartbreaking scenes from affected communities: "Every morning, locals walk the beaches to count the bodies, to label the location, time and species, and to report them to researchers. Dolphins, sharks and seals – gone while coastal businesses struggle to survive."
Accusations of 'Blood Soaked Profits' Amid Global Conflict
In her address, Senator Hodgins-May connected the environmental crisis to global events, claiming companies were benefiting from heightened pressures during Middle East conflicts. "While an illegal war wages in the Middle East, companies like Santos are set to reap blood soaked profits," she declared. The Greens have subsequently called for a 25 percent tax on gas exports, arguing this would raise $17 billion annually to ease household energy bills and fund disaster recovery efforts.
"These companies have ripped off Australians for decades because of Australia's broken tax system," Senator Hodgins-May asserted. "An overwhelming majority of the public across the political spectrum support the need for a minimum 25 percent gas export tax."
Contrasting Explanations for the Ecological Disaster
The South Australian government has attributed the algae bloom to multiple factors rather than singling out any particular company. Official explanations include:
- Flood waters from the Murray River in 2022-23
- A major upwelling event in 2023-24
- A marine heatwave beginning in September 2025
Despite these broader environmental factors, Senator Hodgins-May remained adamant that polluters like Santos were primarily responsible. "The algae bloom was driven by polluters like Santos and has put the state's oceans under siege for a whole year," she insisted.
Personal Connection to the Crisis
The senator shared poignant personal reflections on the disaster's impact, revealing that her own children have been affected by the marine deaths. "Santos is swimming in profit while children – my children – ask me why there are so many dead rays on the beach," she told the Senate. "South Australia's marine emblem is a thing of fragile, extraordinary beauty."
Santos, which has previously been targeted by environmental group Rising Tide, has been contacted for comment regarding the senator's allegations. The company's response to these latest accusations remains pending as parliamentary tensions continue over Australia's environmental and energy policies.
