January 17, 2019 Fisheries consultation extension period needs to be longer Shadow Minister for Fisheries Ian Blayney has slammed the Government’s decision to extend the consultation period for submissions on proposed changes in the rock lobster industry by just two weeks, calling it an insult to the industry. Mr Blayney says the extension should have been for a minimum of six months to allow for proper examination of the complex issues around major structural changes to an industry that contributes more than $500 million to the State’s economy each year and employs 2400 people. “Offering a short two-week extension to consult and prepare responses to such massive changes only further highlights the Minister’s disregard for the industry,” Mr Blayney said. “The industry needs at least six months to come up with viable solutions to respond to the unworkable proposals that have already started to devalue and destabilise the sector. “Both the Minister and the Premier have in recent days shown barely disguised contempt for the industry and for the families that work within it, implying they are all greedy millionaires.” Mr Blayney said Minister Kelly had shown no integrity or transparency in dealing with the sector having asked the Western Rock Lobster Council, before Christmas, to sign a confidentiality agreement preventing it seeking industry feedback on the Minister’s intentions. “The McGowan Government has also tried to mislead the public in relation to industry policy regarding the domestic market in an attempt to gain support for its socialist policy,” Mr Blayney said. “The Government has conveniently not told the public about the strategies to increase local supply, develop jobs and expand the tourism potential of the sector that the industry has been lobbying Mr Kelly on for nearly two years. “It’s now clear Mr Kelly’s refusal to engage with industry was because he knew all along the Government planned to capitalise on an industry it had made no contribution towards. “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a lack of consultation by this Government – last year the Government failed to consult in relation to their education polices and this year it’s the fishing industry that is being attacked. “It’s about time this Government started listening and stopped dictating.” Media Contact |
