FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has joined the chorus of voices that have slammed the Federal Government’s recent decision to ban gillnet fishing.
Mr Entsch’s voice joins the like of Senators Jonno Duniam and Susan McDonald as well as Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter who all oppose the government’s decision to ban gillnet fishing.
It was revealed during the recent Senate Estimates hearing that the Federal and Queensland Labor Governments acted to ban gillnets without consulting relevant federal bodies like the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).
“It’s incomprehensible how critical decisions are being made without even consulting the bodies specifically tasked with advising on these issues,” Mr Entsch said.
“This ill-advised gillnets ban will have severe ramifications on the cost of seafood, hitting already-stretched household budgets hard.
“People who can’t catch their own fish shouldn’t have to pay the price for this government’s poor decisions.”
Mr Entsch drew attention to Australia’s well-managed fisheries, saying the country boasts some of the most “sustainably managed fisheries in the world”.
“The reckless decision to ban gillnets fails to recognise our responsible management practices and threatens to push us towards sourcing unsustainable alternatives,” he said.
“This move is purely political, showing a complete disregard for the sustainable and responsible fisheries management our local industry is known for.”
Fishing businesses across the Far North have been up in arms about the government’s decision for months however there has been no change in stance.
Mr Entsch has strongly urged the Albanese Government to immediately review the proposed bans and implored them to start meaningful engagement with stakeholders.
“The future of our fisheries, the livelihood of our fishers, and the financial well-being of ordinary Australians are at stake,” he said.
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