Joel Fitzgibbon MP: Federal Member for Hunter | Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs

LABOR SUPPORTS RECREATIONAL FISHERS

Posted by 257.20sc on June 02, 2016

A Labor Government will boost recreational fishing for the five million Australians who take part in it by protecting fish stocks from super trawlers and giving them input into federal government decision making.

Speaking to recreational fishers in Batemans Bay today, Mr Fitzgibbon said Labor remains committed to preventing the operation of all super trawlers in Australian waters, unless a thorough assessment against the most up-to-date science can verify these operations will not undermine small pelagic fisheries and recreational fishing spots.

Labor's support for recreational fishing is also why Labor voted in the Senate last November against the Turnbull Government's attempt to allow the resumption of the Geelong Star's night-time operations.

We remain committed to the establishment of a National Recreational Fishing Council to act as a point of engagement between the recreational fishing community and a Labor Government. In Government, the Council will be chaired by Labor's Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry.

Our recreational fishers make a significant contribution to regional economies and deserve the support of the Federal Government.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
MEMBER FOR HUNTER

FIONA PHILLIPS
LABOR CANDIDATE FOR GILMORE

 

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  • commented 2016-06-03 22:53:33 +1000
    Shame what about the other 20 million Australians and the rest of the world that are dependent upon sustainably sourced Australian seafood. Stop pandering to the sector that refuses to pay its way is not and will not be held accountable for their fishing effort impacting on our fish stocks. If you truly believe in science ask why there is little regulation and monitoring by the States of a group that takes well in excess of their share. Remember our fish stocks belong to ALL Australians and those that choose not to recreational fish have a right to their share.
  • commented 2016-06-03 12:57:49 +1000
    It’s a pity he has not supported the commercial fishermen and their families in his own electorate that have not been able to work since September 2015 because of the contamination from the Williamtown RAAF base that has polluted the Hunter River.
  • commented 2016-06-02 18:07:47 +1000
    It’s all just lip service leading up to the election. Labor had to come out with something to try to allay the fears of the nations’s rec fishers. We are a strong voice and we vote and don’t think we’re fooled by your airy fairy statements that amount to very little indeed! The Geelomg Star should not be operating, period. Not supporting the night time operations doesn’t say you support rec fishers because if you did and you were serious you would support a stop to this vessel operating altogether.

Australian Labor