22 June 2010
DAFF10/456B

The Rudd Government continues to make good on its promise to support Australia’s recreational fishing industry with three important initiatives.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said that government legislation to make recreational fishing of Mako and Porbeagle sharks had passed the Senate last night.

“Despite the Opposition’s scare campaign, the government was always committed to see this legislation passed. Last night’s vote in the Senate is proof”, he said.

“Secondly, I am pleased to announce the introduction of quarterly roundtable meetings to improve communications between the Australian Government and recreational fishing.

Sector leaders and the Australian Government will form the Recreational Fishing Roundtable (the roundtable) to discuss emerging issues in the industry.

“The roundtable will provide an effective, high-level forum for leaders in the recreational fishing sector and the Australian Government to discuss and address issues together. The roundtable will meet for the first time in July this year,” he said.

“It will also provide an opportunity to progress the work of the Recreational Fishing Advisory Group which will soon finalise the report Recreational Fishing in Australia – 2010 and Beyond.

“Improving communication between the recreational fishing sector and the Australian Government is an important step in making the industry more sustainable,” Mr Burke said.

“Not only is recreational fishing an important leisure activity for more than 3 million Australians, recreational fishers buy tackle and bait and stay in campgrounds and motels. They play a vital role in supporting regional economies.

“The sector needs to continue to put its best foot forward in order to demonstrate to the community its commitment to sustainability.

“To support this aim, today I announce a further $300,000 to support socio-economic research in the game fishing sector.

“The research will provide better information about the contribution the game fishing sector makes to regional coastal communities and develop methods for game fishers to provide information to underpin the sustainable management of high value game fish species,” Mr Burke said.