Overview

• Senators held the first hearing in Adelaide’s Seacliff before sessions in Port Lincoln, Ardrossan, Victor Harbor this week and Canberra on September 24, with a report due October 28.
• SA Health updated guidance last week after confirming brevetoxins in beach foam on September 4, advising asthmatics to carry reliever medication, while officials say beaches will stay open and people should avoid discoloured water or foam.
• Health officials acknowledged foam testing only began recently as scientists told the inquiry Australia lacks baseline data and consistent monitoring, urging national coordination and early‑warning systems.
• Economic evidence detailed steep losses, including more than 25% falls in some fish auction prices and an average 40% tourism downturn, as a joint $28 million package funds research and clean‑ups with veteran‑led Disaster Relief Australia teams now deployed.
• The bloom covers about 4,500 square kilometres with tens of thousands of marine deaths across roughly 500 species, and experts pointed to a marine heatwave, nutrient pulses and upwelling as likely drivers while noting the event may fluctuate over coming months.