LNP Says Fishing Industry Faces “Uncertain Future” Under Labor

Opinion Piece

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, is calling on the Queensland Labor Government to be open and honest with Queensland commercial and recreational fishers about their future plans for the fishing industry.  

“For the last two years, this Labor Government has treated our Queensland fishers with contempt bringing in changes with little consultation or transparency around their decision-making process and with little concern as to the implications on the future of the fishing and seafood industry in Queensland,” Ms Camm stated.

The MP said that Mackay and Whitsunday fishermen have declared that the temporary Government issued NX licenses inoperable and require urgent review.

“The LNP candidate for Mackay, Nigel Dalton and I have sat around the table from our local fishers, many of whom who have already been impacted financially and are concerned about their future viability and the future viability of the industry.  

“I’ve met with stakeholders, I’ve written to the Minister, I’ve asked Questions in Parliament and still the Government refuses to consult and listen and be transparent with our community”.  

Representatives from the Tourism Industry have also raised concerns about the implementation and inconsistency of the regulations.

Mr Dalton stated that, “The onboard vessel monitoring regulations means that currently fishers are being filmed going to the bathroom in the boat, effectively in their workplace, in front of their colleagues, which has to be considered a huge breach of privacy.”

Ms Camm stated that the industry is struggling as a result of these changes with 90 per cent of fresh fish sold in our region now imported from interstate.

“There are not enough licensed providers in our region to catch fresh fish. Local businesses are expected to either absorb the interstate freight costs or pass them onto the consumer. In a cost-of-living crisis, these increased costs cannot be sustained,” Ms Camm stated.  

Ms Camm and Mr Dalton are calling on the Queensland Government to be honest about the further restrictions and regulations they are proposing to introduce on our commercial and recreational fishers.  

“The Queensland Government needs to advise fishers and all seafood-loving Queenslanders if the fishing industry has a long-term future under a Labor Government.

Regional Queenslanders and our fishing community deserve better”, Ms Camm stated.

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Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, LNP Candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton listening with local fishers David Caracciolo, Paul Vickers and Deb Ahern. Photo supplied

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