Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Australia's fisheries are world-class and sustainably managed. Decisions are made using the best available science. This will continue under this government's watch. The independent Australian Fisheries Management Authority has responded swiftly to government and community concern regarding recent dolphin mortalities by the Geelong Star, with further strict conditions.

This government will ensure that Commonwealth fisheries continue to be managed in an ecologically sustainable way, and that they are not having a detrimental impact on protected species such as seals, dolphins and sea birds. Importantly, Commonwealth fisheries are accredited under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Further, the government has committed $2 million to the implementation of a whale and dolphin protection plan, including a national whale trail to encourage community involvement in the dissemination of information about whale migration and a stranding action plan to improve survival of stranded and entangled animals.

Question agreed to.