Fisheries Review Details Announced

The scope of the review has now been broadened to include the Fisheries Management Act 1991 and Fisheries Administration Act 1991.

There has been a broad range of views expressed by stakeholders, community and Government about the fisheries management system and the adequacy of the regulator under current legislation, Minister Ludwig said.

This root and branch review will examine current fisheries legislation, including penalty provisions, licence cancellations, modern technology and co-management arrangements.

The review will recommend changes to Australias fisheries legislation in order to reflect environmental, economic and social considerations as part of a modern fisheries management system.

The review will also examine any required changes to the fisheries management legislation to reflect the objective of a precautionary principle.

David Borthwick AO PSM, a former Secretary of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities; Deputy Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Health and Treasury, and former Australian Ambassador to the OECD, will conduct the review.

I have said from the beginning that I want industry to have a say in the future of our fisheries management system. Broad stakeholder consultation will play an important role in the review process, Minister Ludwig said.

Its my role as Fisheries Minister to ensure we have the best possible fisheries management system in operation.

The review will be conducted within three months.

The review will only apply to fishing operations within commercial Commonwealth fisheries.