Steve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

GEORGANAS () (): I want to start off with a small story from my electorate. It follows a Greek family who migrated to Australia and today run one of the largest fishing export businesses in the fishing industry in Australia. What began as a small, family run fish and chip shop in Adelaide in the 1950s is now Raptis Seafoods, which has evolved into one of Australia's largest fishing companies. Half a century on, the business is still proudly family run, with a local and international reputation for responsible fishing and the supply of quality seafood products. Only last month, when we had the fishing industries here, I met with Jim Raptis, who is involved in the business and one of the directors. He went through the whole sustainable fishing process that they do and how that sustains the environment. They're operating 19 commercial vessels across many waters, and their activities range from catching to trading, processing, importing and exporting.

Raptis Seafoods are pioneers of a sustainable approach to managing our nation's valuable fish stocks. Like many fisheries, they're committed to environmental protection through their responsible fishing practices and they embrace cutting-edge technology. They ensure the continued delivery of high-quality seafood from the ocean to the plate. They've certainly been a household name in South Australia for many years. The future of Australian fisheries relies upon sustainable fishing practices and a healthy ocean, and this government is committed to working with businesses such as Raptis Seafoods and other fishing businesses in the industry because we understand that supporting these industries' growth contributes to improved sustainability. We know the importance of identifying emerging issues that are impacting the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and this government is committed to engaging with and learning from the businesses in the sector to support the growth and resilience of the fishing and agriculture sectors.

This government is delivering a new Futures of Seafood project led by the government, industry and research partners. This $450,000 investment will paint a clearer picture of the impacts of emerging marine activities and of climate change pressures on fishing and aquaculture through detailed mapping and modelling of industry impacts. The government is aiming to pave the way for the success of the fishing and aquaculture industries by enabling strategic planning for the future. There is strong industry engagement and it will chart a course for Australia's future in seafood, alongside other ocean uses for the coming 10-15 years into the future.

We recognise the challenges faced by fishing businesses and regional economies, and we acknowledge the pressures on commercial fisheries owing to the need to protect marine ecosystems and transition to a net zero carbon economy. If we don't protect those marine ecosystems, there will be no fishing industry left in this country, and this Albanese Labor government is dedicated to collaborating with the states and territories, peak bodies like Seafood Industry Australia, fishing businesses, and industry players to support the growth of Australia's aquaculture and fishing sectors.

At the heart of these efforts—and this is progress—is communication with the fishing industry. As the federal member for Adelaide, I am committed to actively engaging with constituents such as Raptis Seafoods, in my electorate, and all other fishing industries. Why? Because businesses like Raptis Seafoods possess the knowledge that ensures their success while preserving our world for future generations and for the industry. I heard a member previously talk about going to his local fish shop and wanting to have Australian produce—I think the majority of Australians want to see Australian seafood in their restaurants, their markets and their shops, and that is what we are striving for.

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