Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Boswell for his ongoing interest in this area. I am not familiar with the detail of that study. As I am sure he is aware, in this chamber I am representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Of course, the Labor Party is very committed to ensuring that fishing gets a fair go in this argument. Obviously that report has been released and it will be considered. The government is aware of the significant debate about protecting the marine environment while maintaining fair access for fishing. The government will consult closely with those people and industries that use the marine environment, including the recreation and commercial fishing sectors, to identify marine protected areas. We will make decisions about marine parks, including multiuse marine parks that include commercial and recreational harvest, according to the best available science and assessment of economic and social consequences.

The government is committed to sustainably managing Australia’s fisheries for the benefit of all Australians and has committed to minimising economic and social impacts and providing assistance to those where impacts cannot be avoided. The government supports the Australian seafood industry in its sustainable management and stewardship of the marine environment—