11 November 2014

While the government’s new act for marine park and aquatic reserve management includes important protections, it gives the primary industries minister – who serves industry – veto powers. Marine conservation decisions must be about environmental sustainability and stay wholly with the environment minister. NSW has already scaled back vital protections with fishing allowed in shoreline sanctuary zones, a marine park moratorium and fewer fishing restrictions in Grey Nurse Shark critical habitats.

In response to my question, the minister said the government will respond to expert advice delivered last year on the impacts of the recreational fishing amnesty at the end of the month. My speech on the bill is HERE  and my question is HERE.