Damian Hale (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is with a great deal of pleasure that I rise today to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry about the significance of the recreational fishing industry and what is in store for it in the Rudd Labor government’s first budget. I ask this with pleasure because the recreational fishing industry present in Solomon is significant. It is a significant industry not only for Darwin and Palmerston but for the Northern Territory as a whole. In fact, statistics taken back in 2000 show that some $25 million was spent directly on recreational fishing, including some $9 million by visitors to the Northern Territory—quite a significant contribution to our vibrant economy in the north.

It is often quoted that the people of the Territory, and in particular the people of Darwin and Palmerston, have quite a refreshing outlook on life. I suggest that this is a consequence of our unique lifestyle. A major component of our lifestyle is recreational fishing. Being able to go out any day of the week and catch a fish is something that we take for granted up there, and it also makes us the envy of a lot of our southern friends. In fact, as the member for Solomon I am often asked questions by all members of the House about the attractions of the tropical north, and one topic that always comes up is our fishing industry. As a keen fisherman myself I enjoy being able to take my kids out and wet a line when I am not in Canberra.

One of the benefits of living up there is that, generally speaking, it does not matter how bad a fisherman you are, you are able to still catch a fish and take home something in the esky—usually the beer has all been drunk—and, with a bit of luck, you might even pick up a mud crab or two as well, which the member for Flynn would enjoy. So, given the importance of recreational fishing, my question to the minister is: what budget measures is the government taking to help secure the sustainable recreational fishing industry?

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