Coalition spokesperson for Fisheries Senator Richard Colbeck said at the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) show on the Gold Coast that Labor had completely forgotten the recreational fishing sector.
“The Australian Fishing Tackle Association is to be congratulated for their impressive national conference and efforts to promote the benefits of recreational fishing,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Despite this Minister Burke was a no-show. It shows the lack of regard Labor has for recreational fishers and fishing tackle businesses.
“This follows the failure by Minister Burke to turn up to his own Ministerial roundtable for recreational fishing in Canberra just a few weeks ago instead sending along Departmental officials.
“Over the past three years Labor has displayed a complete lack of communication, a complete lack of consultation and a complete lack of consideration for recreational fishers.”
Senator Colbeck said the recreational fishing sector and its many millions of participants can be assured they will be genuinely listened to by a Coalition Government.
“Tony Abbott has already released our marine parks policy which will see recreational fishers given a much greater say in the establishment of any marine parks. Further initiatives will be released shortly,” Senator Colbeck said.
“The Coalition will give recreational fishing the respect and recognition it fully deserves as a contributor to the environment, to healthy lifestyles and to the nation’s economy.”
The Federal Minister for Environment Protection Peter Garrett and Minister for Agriculture Tony Burke say the Coalition are waging a dishonest fear campaign on the future of recreational and commercial fishing.
In the final run-up to the federal election a Labor campaign media release this week states, “the Coalition are deliberately misleading fishers and their families and causing unnecessary concern.”
The release goes on to say the “Gillard Government is continuing to work through the same process on Marine Protected Areas begun under former Prime Minister John Howard.”
Labor says, “This process is based on science, detailed planning and community consultation. And, as it always has been, the process will involve close consultation with fishing communities, coastal communities, recreational and commercial fishers, marine and tourism businesses and environmental groups, to reach the right balance and ensure our marine regions remain sustainable into the future.
“This feedback will be carefully examined when determining the possible location and size of any marine parks.
“No decisions have been made on the location of any new marine parks and we will consult further with the community before any decisions are made.”
“Federal Labor does not support the Greens’ calls for arbitrary targets which do not reflect the science.”
Fisho has contacted Minister Burke’s office for comment on his non-attendance at the AFTA show. We will keep you updated on any further developments prior to the federal election.
Update 2pm 18/8/10 – A spokesman for Federal Fisheries Minister Tony Burke emailed Fisho the following statement from the minister:
“I was already committed to another event when the invitation [to attend AFTA conference] came around.
I love going to fishing events, but when you commit to being somewhere I believe you have to stick to that.”
