Senior Liberal MP Tony Pasin and one of his staff members were injured in a boating incident on Thursday off the coast of Tasmania. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. at Bakers Beach when an oyster barge carrying Pasin and a staffer hit a sandbar.
Pasin, who serves as the shadow assistant minister for fisheries and forestries, confirmed the incident in a statement. "While undertaking shadow ministerial duties in Tasmania today, an incident occurred resulting in injuries to my staff member and me," Pasin said. "My first priority is the welfare of my staff member. We are both receiving medical treatment and the first appropriate notifications have been made to the relevant authorities and family members contacted."
Tasmanian Police responded to the scene after reports of a man falling overboard. The staff member is believed to have become trapped between the sandbar and the barge after falling overboard. He was pulled back aboard the barge and received medical assistance before being transported to Launceston General Hospital, where he remains.
Pasin stated that he would remain in Tasmania to support his staff member and that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. He also requested that the media respect the privacy of those involved.
The group, which also included fellow Liberal state MP Gavin Pearce and other staff, was returning to shore after touring an oyster farm when the incident occurred. Pasin thanked the first responders and those who provided assistance.