Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, will host the second Australian Fisheries Ministers meeting in Melbourne today to discuss the improved management of Australia’s $2.4 billion fisheries and aquaculture industry.
Senator Ruston said the meeting will be attended by state and territory fisheries ministers and senior government officials.
“We’ll be focussed on aligning and simplifying regulation between Commonwealth and state jurisdictions, removing duplication and reducing administration costs,” Minister Ruston said.
“We are committed to strengthening Australia’s world class fisheries and aquaculture industry and the important contribution it makes to our economy and way of life. It’s in everyone’s interests that the industry remains profitable, continues to produce high yields and leads the world in managing the stocks sustainably.
“Communication across governments is important and this meeting is a platform to promote improved services, deregulation and an exchange of experience.”
This year’s meeting marks the second time that Australian fisheries ministers have met to discuss how to improve the lives of fishers by streamlining regulations and reducing red tape.
“At the first meeting in December 2014, ministers discussed a range of issues from improved stock management to food safety standards and biosecurity,” Minister Ruston said.
“I look forward to continuing these discussions with my state and territory counterparts.”
Senator Ruston said she intended to discuss the government’s progress on initiatives of the White Papers on Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia, national emergency response arrangements for aquatic animal diseases, the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into fisheries red tape, and developing options for surveying national recreational fishing and the recreational catch of southern bluefin tuna.
“Fisheries and aquaculture are important industries for Australia and for regional employment. By working together all jurisdictions can improve the sustainability and profitability of fishers and all those who work in the seafood supply chain, while also considering the interests of Indigenous and recreational fishers,” Minister Ruston said.
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