Thursday 30 April, 2020
The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s refusal to even consider waiving fees for hundreds of commercial fishers is a disgrace, LNP Shadow Fisheries Minister Tony Perrett said today.
Mr Perrett said hundreds of Queensland fishing businesses were still paying thousands of dollars to the State Government for boat fees, fishing licence fees and safe-food accreditation, despite demand and revenue in the industry collapsing as a result of covid-19.
“We have seen other industries granted sensible fee waivers by the State Government, but there has been no relief for our hard-working commercial fishers,” Mr Perrett said.
“The Fisheries Minister is acting like commercial fishing doesn’t exist – and if he doesn’t act it soon won’t.
“Demand for Queensland seafood has taken a huge hit internationally and domestically.
“Given the state of the market, many commercial fishers have decided it makes more sense not to go out – leaving hundreds of workers without jobs and an income.
“The contrast between Queensland’s Labor Government and the rest of the nation says a lot.
“The New South Wales State Government has rolled out a total fee waiver for all commercial fishers, but Annastacia Palaszczuk has done nothing to help Queensland fishers.
“The LNP has called for tax relief and fee waivers to support our commercial fishers.
“Our seafood industry employs 3000 people in regional Queensland and we cannot afford to lose those jobs.
“The LNP is also calling on Labor to adopt its Queensland seafood labelling policy.
“I know Queenslanders want to buy Queensland seafood and our labelling plan will allow them to do just that.
“Only the LNP has a plan to back our seafood industry and get Queensland working again.”
