House debates

Thursday, 21 March 2024

Statements by Members

Green, Ms Sienna

1:47 pm

Photo of Andrew WillcoxAndrew Willcox (Dawson, Liberal National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I rise today to honour an exceptional talent in the form of a tenacious, hardworking and dedicated 26-year-old woman from my part of the world, Sienna Green. Sienna is a third-generation professional fisher who has been running her own fishing operation for the last six years. That's right: this amazing young woman has been running her own fishing operation since she was just 20 years old.

Sienna's achievements were acknowledged this past week as she was presented with the Young Achiever Award at the Queensland Seafood Industry Awards 2024. Sienna's journey hasn't been without its trials and tribulations, though. Following the devastating announcement from the Albanese Labor government that they would be banning the use of commercial gillnets, Sienna's livelihood and chosen profession came under threat. In her speech, Sienna eloquently said: 'I hope by winning this award I am doing our wild-caught inshore fishery proud. And maybe this might be a step to having our new fishery and what we supply showcased to the public, rather than being swept under the carpet as it is now.'

I couldn't have said this better myself. Congratulations, Sienna. Your dedication to this industry is to be admired. We are so, so proud of you. Well done.