Fishy breakfast in Parliament

THE Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) will host a breakfast at Parliament House in Canberra as an opportunity for politicians, anglers and the fishing trade industry discuss the development of policies affecting recreational fishing in Australia.

Fishing TV identity Rex Hunt will emcee the event which will be held on Thursday, March 1. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke will deliver opening remarks at the breakfast while Senator Richard Colbeck, the shadow fisheries spokesman, will deliver a federal Coalition perspective on recreational fishing issues.

Federal Fisheries Minister Senator Joe Ludwig will also attend the breakfast.

The breakfast will bring federal MPs together with state and national recreational fishing representatives to discuss national and state policies and strategies for the Commonwealth Marine Park Planning process.

Newly appointed AFTA CEO Allan Hansard said the breakfast was an important opportunity for politicians to hear from anglers and industry about the role recreational fishing plays in the community, the economy and in delivering environmental outcomes.

"Anglers are the ‘bushwalkers of the sea’. They are often the eyes and ears on our seas, reporting illegal fishing activities or environmental incidents to authorities," Hansard said.

"AFTA is quite concerned however with the ‘lock out’ approaches adopted by some environmental groups in developing marine conservation policy. This approach is comparable to banning bushwalkers from national parks and does not reflect the responsible way that recreational fishers care for their environment.

"This Parliamentary breakfast will draw attention to these issues and all MPs and Senators with recreational fishers in their electorate are urged to attend.

Contact Allan Hansard, AFTA CEO, on 0438 243 994 or allanhansard@afta.net.au to find out more.