Wednesday, 18th March 2020
The LNP has called on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to rule out the implementation of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy given the pressures the coronavirus is having on our commercial fisheries.
LNP
Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said he was proud to join with the
Queensland Seafood Industry Association, the Moreton Bay Seafood Industry
Association, Gulf of Carpentaria Commercial Fisherman’s Association, Hervey Bay
Seafood Inc and the Fisherman’s Portal in calling for the reforms to be taken
off the table*.
“Commercial fishers already feared that there was no future for their industry under Labor, but the compounding impact of the coronavirus on the sector has been devastating,” Mr Perrett said.
“The quotas that are being pushed through by the Palaszczuk Labor Government are not economic for many Queensland commercial fishers to make a living.
“We know how important the Queensland seafood industry is, at it provides more than 3,000 people a livelihood, predominantly in the regions.
“Queensland
has some of the best seafood in the world and commercial fishers and local
businesses desperately need the support of the community.
“The commercial seafood industry also needs further action from the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“It is a disgrace that families who have fished these waters for generations
have been pushed to breaking point by Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“If fishers don’t have large enough quota then they can’t make a living and they will be forced out of the industry – that is why they should be taken off the table.
“The LNP also supports commercial fishers who’ve been calling for assistance in the form of temporary relief from Labor’s fees and taxes on fishers.
“The LNP have also been calling on Labor to adopt it’s Queensland seafood labelling
policy as part of a promotional campaign to support the coronavirus-affected
industry.
“The LNP’s seafood labelling policy will encourage more Queenslanders to buy
seafood caught by Queensland’s fishing fleet.
“It’s time for Labor to abandon its unfair and flawed fisheries reform and do more to support our seafood industry during these trying times.”
*QSIA statement: Industry bodies call for a moratorium on fishing industry reforms
