Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Sterle for his question and his continued interest in fisheries. Last September I said my responsibility was to make sure our fisheries remain some of the most sustainable and best managed in the world and that they are served by the best system possible. Today I am doing that by releasing the Borthwick review into Commonwealth fisheries and our response.

The government broadly supports the direction of the Borthwick review. I hope, unlike on cuts to research and development funding, all sides of the chamber can support this reform. The review found that while our current fisheries management system is good it could be improved by greater transparency and by a broader policy framework clarifying objectives and roles. The job now for government is to engage with all stakeholders and the community to build an implementation plan for the Borthwick review.

The review has made a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening our fisheries management system. Our legislation is now over 20 years old, so it is time for an update to reflect the changes in technology, in industry and in community expectations. Borthwick has recommended in his review, specifically, that the AFMA Commission remain as the independent authority to make fisheries decisions separate from government. I agree with that recommendation. One key area of consultation will be to include a broader ecosystem pillar to fisheries management. This would mean a more holistic approach to management plans. Quite frankly, this is an extension for our fisheries to be managed to world-class standards now and into the future.