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

I thank Senator Boswell for his question, although I have to start by rejecting the premise of it. The Gillard government is committed to delivering a national network of marine reserves to protect our precious marine environment for future generations. The government has announced where these protected regions will be, and this provides certainty for industry. We have designed the reserves to avoid impact on fishers and regional communities as much as possible. We will be delivering an adjustment package in the vicinity of $100 million. That will be worked through on a case-by-case basis.

These new reserves will not stop recreational fishers from doing what they love. The bottom line is that, for 96 per cent of the ocean from the shore out to 100 kilometres, access to recreational fishing remains unchanged. The job of the government now is to work with industry to get the management and adjustment policies in place and done right. The announced reserve plans will not come into effect until we have the right management arrangements and assistance measures in place.

The minister understands and recognises the importance of the fishing industry right around Australia. The minister is a strong supporter of Australian fishers and Australian fisheries. Our fisheries are in top shape, they are well managed and the industry has a positive future. Our fishers are innovative, productive, compassionate— (Time expired)