In the latest session of Parliament, Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, delivered an impassioned speech addressing the actions of the Federal Government. His speech primarily centred on the recent ban imposed on commercial gillnet fishing, sparking profound concern.
With frustration, the MP vehemently voiced his worries about the Federal Government's actions, emphasising the detrimental impact on the livelihoods and economic prospects of more than 90 licensed fishermen in the North Queensland region.
Mr. Willcox highlighted the lack of community consultation and hasty decision-making. He pointed out, "In June, a joint media release from the Federal and Queensland Governments declared their intention to ban gillnet fishing with no community input and extremely tight deadlines. This ban is slated to take effect by the end of the year."
Mr Willcox also questioned Parliament about the effects on the communities, detailing that it’s not just the fishermen’s lives who would be negatively impacted.
“As we know, the fishermen operate in a tough environment, out in the sun and out in the salt. So, they need a lot of shackles, ropes, floats, anchors, all those sorts of things. Without this, the chandlery shops are going to go out of business, and the ice producers.
“The boatbuilders, the repairers, they’re all going to go out of business. The outboard sales and service, going out of business.
“When you take the supply out, the price will go up. So, then, we’ll be relying on more imported fish. So, rather than having fish from our pristine waters… we’ll be importing lesser-quality fish, and prices will be skyrocketing!”
Mr Willcox exclaimed that he will “not be taking this lying down” and has written to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, on this issue.
“I’m calling on Minister Plibersek to come to my electorate, do some community consultation, talk to the fishermen, have a discussion, and see how the fishermen fish!”
Mr Willcox also called out the State Government for “this absolute rubbish” about gillnets damaging the Great Barrier Reef stating “these nets don’t go within 60kms of the Great Barrier Reef! It’s just another Labor lie!”
“The wild caught fishing industry is run by professional men and women and has been done for so many generations,” he said.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox
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