Wednesday 13 November 2024
The Liberals and Nationals have won the fight to ensure commercial fishers will be spared onerous red-tape that threatened their livelihoods.
New Allan Labor Government legislation had cast a dark shadow over the fishing industry with fears of unprecedented “good repute” rules being implemented.
Fishers, their families and the families of those throughout the seafood supply chain would have been required to meet “good repute” standards.
The fishing industry faced the gruelling and distressing task of having to carry out background checks on their staff, their families, suppliers and their families.
There would have been no right of appeal a decision before a seafood licence was suspended, causing widespread stress throughout the fishing industry.
Under concessions, only the licence holder – and not associates or families – will need to be deemed of “good repute”, which is aimed at ensuring they treat the safety of food as paramount and maintain accurate records for food safety purposes.
The right to appeal a decision to suspend license on grounds of “good repute” will also remain.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, said the concessions and clarity were a win for commonsense.
“It would have been unnecessary bureaucratic madness to cast the net so wide on who is of good repute,” Ms Kealy said.
“I have spoken to many communities along Victoria’s coastline who were deeply concerned by the potential impact on local jobs and the local economy.
“If this had gone ahead, the Allan Labor Government was making moves to steal the seafood platter off your Christmas lunch table.”
Shadow Minister for Fishing and Boating, Roma Britnell, said: “Labor’s Bill threatened the livelihoods of hardworking commercial fishers across the state.
“The Liberals and Nationals amendment provides much needed security and confidence for this important sector, which allows Victorians to enjoy fresh and local seafood.”