Fisheries top priority for the Howard Government
Federal Fisheries Minister Senator Ian Macdonald has tabled a policy statement in Parliament outlining areas for improvement and opportunities to be pursued in Commonwealth fisheries policy.
Titled Looking to the Future: A Review of Commonwealth Fisheries Policy, the statement recognises the nation's unprecedented growth in the area, but also the need for reform in areas like Offshore Constitutional Settlement arrangements, and the improvement of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
"AFMA is challenged to make further strides in improving its management, communication and consultation with all stakeholders," Senator Macdonald said.
"However, there is a view in some quarters that a gap exists between the theory and practice of good fisheries management relating to the decision making process, and its implementation, and this also needs to be intelligently addressed.
"In terms of the Offshore Constitutional Settlement, these arrangements have worked well in some instances, but remain problematic in others.
"I have asked my department to evaluate the way that these arrangements can be used to achieve greater cooperation between jurisdictions in the pursuit of sustainable natural resource management in cooperation with the States and Territories."
These areas for improvement are two hurdles in what has otherwise been a boom-time for the fishing industry, with growth of around 6 per cent in real terms since 1996.
The Howard Government also plans to create an Australian Fisheries and Seafood Forum to advise Commonwealth Ministers on new and emerging fisheries matters.
"The present ad hoc consulting arrangements on strategic issues are no longer adequate, given the complexity and volume of issues arising in this area," Senator Macdonald said.
"The forum will not duplicate or replace AFMA's consultative arrangements, rather, it will have a broad agenda to assist the government realise the potential for this great industry in our country."
Further inquiries:
Senator Macdonald's office:
Mr David Crisafulli (02) 6277 7270 or 0400 144 483
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