LOCAL MP CALLS FOR INQUIRY INTO COMMERCIAL GILLNET BAN

The proposed ban on commercial gillnet fishing in North Queensland is an absolute disgrace, and for the affected families and businesses in the electorate of Dawson it means irreparable damage to their livelihoods and a potential loss of Australia’s beloved seafood.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has passionately shared his opposition to this “irrational” decision on several occasions and is now calling for a Senate inquiry into the gillnet fishing bans.

“The Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, and the Albanese Labor Government have failed to consult with or meet with a multitude of individuals and businesses who live and breathe this industry and who are going to be adversely impacted by this decision,” Mr Willcox said.

“This decision was made without any demonstrable scientific reasoning and is going to have detrimental consequences, including widespread economic and social damage.

“The fishing industry in Australia is already heavily regulated and provides seafood for everyone in this country who cannot catch it for themselves.

“And now, with the stroke of a pen from Canberra, the Labor government want to take away more than 2000 tonnes of fresh wild-caught Australian seafood out of the market, they want to destroy the lives of the fishermen and women who have been fishing our waters for generations, and they want to make it harder for the everyday Aussie to enjoy fish and chips down the beach or in the park with their family.”

After speaking with several fishermen and women in his electorate, the frustrated MP also believes the flow on effects of this decision will be felt by more than just the fishos.

“There’s much more at stake than the 90 or so licenced fishermen in North Queensland, the flow on effects will be enormous.  

“Chandlery shops, boatbuilders and repairers, fishmongers, ice makers, your local fish and chip shops and corner stores all rely on these fishermen and women for their livelihoods, and hundreds of jobs will be lost.  

“With the current Albanese Labor Government created cost-of-living crisis and rising costs of operating a business, this is just another financial blow that no one can afford.

“Not to mention, Australian’s all over the country are going to be impacted. If the Labor government takes thousands of tonnes of Australian seafood out of the market, Australian’s are going to start paying more for lesser quality, imported seafood that’s travelling across the world before reaching our plates.

“As your Federal Member I will continue to fight for the rights of the people in our community and I will not be taking this lying down,” exclaimed Mr Willcox.

“I will be calling for a Senate inquiry into the decision to ban commercial gillnet fishing next week during the October Parliamentary sitting because what the state and federal Labor government is doing to the people in my electorate is unacceptable.”

To have your say, head to haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/fisheries-policy-reviews