Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I want to pay tribute to Pavo and Heidi Walker from Walker Seafoods Australia. Pavo and Heidi operate their Queensland tuna-fishing business of four vessels, 39 crew and a shore based processing, packaging and management team out of Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. As one of the best fishing ports in the nation, Mooloolaba is becoming a desired location for innovative and sustainable fishing companies. Since 2002 the Walkers have steadily grown their business into the biggest tuna-fishing company on Australia's east coast. They have the highest catch rates and quota holdings in the fishery, due to their relentless pursuit of excellence and focus on the quality that is demanded by the Japanese, American and Australian markets.

Walker Seafoods Australia is known for producing a high-quality, export-grade product, and Heidi consistently tells me that business is so good that they are struggling to meet demand. As soon as the catch is whipped off the boats for processing, a large percentage is quickly packaged and sent on its way to Brisbane Airport, destined for cafes and restaurants in Tokyo, Boston and Los Angeles. The Walkers' business thrives on being ethical and sustainable. After investing four years and $350,000, they became the first tuna fishers in the country to earn the international gold standard for seafood sustainability, the Marine Stewardship Council certification, for yellowfin tuna, albacore tuna and swordfish. Walker Seafoods Australia is a great small-business success story. These are exciting times on the Sunshine Coast, the small-business capital of the nation.

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