Northern Territory Seafood Council calls for withdrawal of new fisheries legislation amendment

The Northern Territory Seafood Council is calling for the withdrawal of the Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 and seeking genuine consultation on proposed changes to the Fisheries Act so that current and future investments are not jeopardised.

“Seafood businesses in both wild harvest and aquaculture are looking to put their investments on hold as they are unclear of the NT Government’s vision for the seafood industry,” said Northern Territory Seafood Council Chief Executive Officer Ms Katherine Winchester.

“Key stakeholders have not been consulted or engaged appropriately on changes to the Fisheries Act prior to the introduction of the Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 to the Legislative Assembly.”

Winchester said the Northern Territory Seafood Council is calling for the NT Government to withdraw the Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 and instead commit to undertake a review of the Fisheries Act with a process that includes genuine consultation with all key stakeholders.

“As a key first step we want to see all stakeholders at the table to help co-design the vision for the future. This critical first step will be invaluable to guide the review of the Fisheries Act.

Winchester added that, for fourteen years, the council has been participating in Blue Mud Bay discussions seeking a win:win:win outcome.

“It makes no sense why the government is now rushing through a legislative change and risking the businesses and investments needed for a smooth transition. Discussions between seafood businesses and Aboriginal communities about collaboration, building trust and understanding are being undermined by the hastily developed Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill.”

Winchester said the council supports a modernisation of the Fisheries Act that provides economic opportunity, decreases disadvantage and acknowledges Aboriginal peoples’ ongoing cultural connections.

“In the absence of an articulated vision the intent of the proposed changes within the Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill are not clear. Plus, there are differing legal opinions on the proposed changes, which, to date remain unresolved.”

The Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 proposes changes to both the Fisheries Act and Fisheries Regulations and was introduced for the first and second reading by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Selena Uibo on October 12, 2022.

Click here to download PDF of Call to Withdraw Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.