AFTA Chair’s Report – AGM 2025

Another year has passed, and AFTA has continued to grow from strength to strength, both in terms of membership and in our representation to decision-makers on issues that have the potential to impact your business. It has been a year of political seismic shifts, with increased returns in federal government changes in NT, QLD, and a status quo in WA.

It is a year in which we have witnessed the unfounded three-year ban on NSW Blue Groper, based on a presumption of potential future climate change impacts, while the science demonstrates that stocks are sustainable. In Queensland, the release of new data has revealed that previous assumptions used in the Queensland Spanish Mackerel stock assessment were flawed. In Tasmania and Western Australia, there have been further marine park lockouts. It is also the year that marked the start of the removal of the 14 barramundi gill nets in the Northern Territory.

There are evolving challenges yet to be addressed; for example, what will be the ultimate impact of the USA tariff regime? Will it drive up an ever-growing e-commerce purchase market and reduce face-to-face transactions?

The rise of internet-purchased grey imports (without local warranty) that do not necessarily attract the 10% GST or other costs borne by wholesalers and retailers is making business sustainability more challenging.

Elections:

Since the 2024 AFTA AGM, elections have been held in the Northern Territory (August 24, 2024), ACT (October 19, 2024), Queensland (October 26, 2024), Western Australia (March 5, 2025), and the Federal election (May 3, 2025). The results have been varied, but with each election, AFTA has advocated fiercely on behalf of our industries, with varied outcomes.

Elections are due in South Australia (21 March, 2026) and Victoria (28 November, 2026); rest assured that our representative efforts are ongoing, not just a rush before the election.

I also thank the State Peak Bodies:  AFANT, RecfishWest, TARFish, VRFish and RecFishSA for their communication and ongoing localised work on behalf of the recreational fishing industry.   We look forward to the formalisation of the promised NSW Body and will continue to push for the establishment of a QLD Peak body.

AFTA Board 2024-25

The AFTA Board Members:

• Michael Starkey (Frogley’s Offshore) – President
• Billy Parsons (JM Gillies) – Vice President
• Ben Scales (Jarvis Walker) – Treasurer & Secretary
• Kord Luckus (Wilson Tackle)
• Greg Seeto (Daiwa Australia)
• Steve Morgan (Fishing Monthly Group)
• Alicia Bolitho (Tackle World)
• Jarrod Day (Compleat Angler)
• Cameron Jackson (BCF)

Board Meetings:

AFTA held 4 Board Meetings:

• Gold Coast: 15 August, 2024
• Brisbane: 8 October, 2024
• Melbourne: 2 April, 2025
• Teams: 19 June, 2025

In addition, there were numerous Trade Show Sub Committee meetings, Boating Industry Association (BIA) discussion meetings and Ministerial meetings with :

• The Hon. Tony Perrett, Minister for Primary Industries (Qld)
• The Hon. Mark Furner, former Minister for Primary Industries (Qld)
• The Hon. Stephen Dimopoulos, Minister for Outdoor Recreation (Victoria)
• The Hon. Luba Grigorovitch, Parliamentary Secretary for Outdoor Recreation (Victoria)
• Brad Battin, Leader of the Opposition (Victoria)
• Sam Groth, Deputy Opposition Leader & Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation (Victoria)
• Bill Tilley, Shadow Assistant Minister for Boating and Fishing (Victoria)
• The Hon Jackie Jarvis, Minister for Agriculture and Food, Fisheries, Forestry, Small Business (WA)
• The Hon. Don Punch, former Minister for Fisheries (WA)
• Libby Mettam, former Leader of the Liberal Party (WA)
• Shane Love, Leader of the WA Nationals (WA)
• Senator The Hon Murray Watt, former Minister for Primary Industries (Federal)
• The Hon. Peter Dutton, former Opposition Leader (Federal)
• The Hon. Eric Abetz, Minister for Business, Industry & Resources (Tasmania)
• The Hon. Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries (SA)
• The Hon. Gerard Maley, Deputy Leader and Minister for Recreational Fishing (NT)

During the year, I have had the honour to represent AFTA at meetings with:

• Boating Industry Association
• Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation
• Qld Primary Industries Blueprint Workshop
• FRDC Marine Climate Briefings
• FRDC Circular Economy Forum
• Qld Recreational Boating Council
• NSW DPI – Blue Groper
• Recreational Fishers Stakeholder Forum on establishing a Peak Body for NSW
• NT Government on the removal of Gill Nets
• Qld Government on the removal of Gill Nets, Shark Depredation & Spanish Mackerel stock assessment

Our accomplishments would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the whole AFTA Board, led by President Michael Starkey. I am grateful for the commitment, guidance, and direction from all Directors.

Treasurer Ben Scales has managed AFTA finances diligently, while Kord Luckus has been a committed advocate for Queensland and NT issues. Vice President Billy Parsons has not only attended numerous unscheduled Ministerial Meetings but also contributed enormously to national policy. Alicia Bolitho has consistently advocated for policies in the south, and together with Greg Seeto, Michael Starkey, Steve Morgan, and Jarrod Day, has worked closely with Communications Manager Heatha Nicholas and Trade Show Organiser Nicholle Smith to ensure the success of the Trade Show and the Annual Public Day. AFTA is indeed fortunate to have such dedicated directors who form a strong team.

AFTA & the BIA  – forging the pathway forward

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) have entered a model of increased cooperation with the Boating Industry Association (BIA) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to enhance representative efforts by aligning common interests. Over the coming years, both associations plan to deepen mutual involvement and representation, leveraging their combined numbers to present stronger arguments to the Government.

The recreational fishing industry is a significant contributor to Australia’s economy, employing over 100,000 individuals and serving nearly 5 million fishers. This sector generates more than $11 billion annually. Together, AFTA and BIA generate approximately $21 billion each year, supporting around 135,000 jobs nationwide.

However, our industry faces increasing challenges from bans, restrictions, and legislative changes, which threaten its ability to maintain these economic contributions. Despite these hurdles, AFTA achieved successful outcomes this past year across multiple states. Addressing restrictive measures concerning fishing rights will require consistent effort and support from the industry, especially when the underlying science is disputed, and climate change is used as a tool for political justification.

AFTA advocates for minimal government interference, arguing that unnecessary intervention and legislation impose additional burdens on businesses, diverting focus from maintaining a sustainable and profitable recreational fishing industry.

So, what is AFTA’s core objective?

Central to AFTA’s mission is the drive to encourage more individuals, particularly families, women, and young people, to adopt recreational fishing as a leisure activity.

The organisation champions the idea that success within the industry is intrinsically tied to fostering a sense of belonging, engagement, and shared experiences among enthusiasts. While catching fish may be an added delight for participants, the essence of recreational fishing lies in creating cherished memories and spending quality time outdoors.

It is pursuing this core objective that creates sustainability for our industry.

Federal Election & Offshore Windfarms

The election on 3 May delivered a clear mandate for the Albanese ALP Government to proceed with its political agenda on Offshore wind farms. Whether we as individuals support their re-election or not, it is hard to argue against the historic majority delivered to the Government.

AFTA, on behalf of its members, will seek the best possible solution to the introduction of these six large-scale maritime infrastructure projects. The primary issue for recreational fishers will be the exclusion zones, currently indicated as 1.5 km from any structure or cable. Whilst these structures will be a FAD, if rec fishers are unable to access the structure, then it is to the absolute detriment of rec fishers.

However, on 15 June 24,  Energy Minister Chris Bowen said:

“I just want to talk a moment about fishing because there’s a lot of misinformation out there about fishing. Some people assume that when you see that declaration on the map, that you can’t fish inside that area. That’s not true.

“There will be exclusion zones around each turbine – small exclusion zone of around 50m. The turbines are usually around 2km apart. Within that people can fish, can go about their recreational fishing as they wish. That will all be assessed as part of the licence application.”

This was restated in a letter (MB24 -00537) to the Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, making representations on AFTA’s behalf. In fact, he stated in that letter that in addition to the above that:

“it may also be possible in some instances that no exclusion zone is required.

The Offshore Windfarm Sites:

Gippsland (VIC)               15000 km^2,              

Southern Ocean (VIC)     1030 km^2,

Hunter (NSW)                  1854 km²                   

Illawarra (NSW)               1022 km^2,

Bass Straight (TAS)         10136 km^2,              

Bunbury (WA)                   7674 km^2,

AFTA will continue to work with the Government on this issue to get the best possible outcome for our industry.

Northern Territory

On 25 August, there was a seismic shift in politics, which saw the Finocchiaro CLP resoundingly elected to Government. AFTA invested considerable effort lobbying all Territory politicians for the removal of the 14 barramundi gill net licenses across the Northern Territory. AFTA achieved rare bipartisan support on this issue.

With the election of Gerard Maley as both Deputy Leader and Minister for Recreational Fishing, we are assured that there will be a phased buyback of all 14 licenses over the next four years.

Queensland

The Queensland election on 26 October, 2024, saw the Crisafulli LNP government elected, and Tony Perrett was elevated from Shadow Minister to Minister for Primary Industries.

AFTA actively engaged in and promoted its Qld Election Policy Manifesto concerning policy decisions for the next four years to both government and opposition.

We extend our gratitude to former Minister Mark Furner and wish him well in his future endeavours. Throughout our interactions, Mark Furner consistently demonstrated approachability and attentiveness to logical arguments.

Since the Crisafulli LNP government was elected, the 2025 initial Spanish Mackerel Stock Assessment indicates that Spanish Mackerel stocks in Queensland are no longer at historically low levels.

The government’s latest assessment reveals that Spanish Mackerel has a stock biomass at a median of 34 per cent of unfished levels in Queensland waters. The Department dismissed the Peer Review results pursued by AFTA, impacting businesses.

The Spanish Mackerel Fisheries Working Group met on 2 June 2025 in Cairns to discuss the updated Spanish Mackerel stock assessment, performance assessment of the fishery, and future management arrangements.

AFTA does not agree with the recent stock assessment’s assumptions that recreational take (including shark depredation and discards) exceeds prescribed levels in Harvest Strategy (HS). The HS allocates 60% Commercial and 40% Recreational. The Stock Assessment data shows the current allocation is 40% Commercial and 60% Recreational. AFTA disputes this finding.

The efforts of AFTA Qld board member Kord Luckus (Wilson Tackle) have been important in achieving these outcomes.

Victoria

Billy Parsons, Ms Luba Grigorovitch and Hon Bob Baldwin

Whilst in Melbourne, AFTA also met with Opposition Leader Brad Battin, Deputy Leader & Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sam Groth and Shadow Assistant Minister for Boating and Fishing Bill Tilley to discuss their policy development ahead of the November 2026 election.

It is abundantly clear that Victoria has been the benchmark state for recreational fishing policy by which all other governments are measured, and any changes must not detract from what has been achieved.

AFTA Victorian Directors Billy Parsons (JM Gillies) and Ben Scales (Jarvis Walker), along with AFTA Ambassador Steve “Trelly” Threlfall (TackleWorld), have been extremely generous with their time and valuable input at these meetings. AFTA also appreciates the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s continued sponsorship towards the AFTA Gala Awards Dinner.

New South Wales

There has been a recent development of significant concern for our industry. The original 12-month Blue Grouper ban, which set the industry reeling, has been extended by a further three-year ban to 2028. However, more concerning was the basis of the decision by Minister Tara Moriarty, in that:

“This decision has been taken after the Government considered a range of important factors including recently published scientific information that raised concerns about the potential impacts of climate change and that caution should be taken in managing the species due to their unique biological traits.

The stock assessment concluded that the Eastern Blue Groper is in a sustainable position, however there is a risk the species is being impacted by climate change and warming waters.”

It is worrying that politicians will now use the “Climate Change” precedent for any fishery closure to appease environmentalists or to secure votes, even though the science clearly states that the fishery is sustainable.

On a brighter note, we await the impending announcement of the establishment of the Recreational Fishing industry body – RecFishNSW. AFTA’s Past President, Col Tannahill (Shimano), has been instrumental in developing and reviewing the best funding and governance models to establish the promised statutory Recreational Fishing Industry body, with a role to ensure that representation is fair, expert-based, independent, and, in part, elected by recreational fishing licensees.

Tasmania

It appears there is political turmoil afoot, with Tasmanian voters going back to the polls yet again after a no-confidence motion in Premier Rockcliffe was passed in the parliament on 5 June. It will be a time to support and push forward the election manifesto by TARFish.

The Southeast Marine Parks Network Management Plan 2025 has now been finalised, sparking debate over access restrictions for recreational fishers in Tasmania. Approved by the then Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, the plan included modifications following consultations, where 18,400 campaign submissions and 90 unique submissions were reviewed.

Key victories for fishers emerged from Jane Gallichan, CEO of TARFish’s advocacy. Parks Australia accepted two significant proposals: reducing the National Park area around Joe’s Reef near Bicheno in the Freycinet Zone and creating a Habitat Protection Zone in Flinders Marine Park off St Helens. These changes ensure increased access to recreational fishing while striking a balance with conservation needs.

South Australia

The Snapper bans in the Spencer Gulf Fishing Zone, West Coast Fishing Zone, and Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone are in force until 30 June, 2026. Hopefully, the advocacy by AFTA will deliver some relief going forward.

Whilst in the South East Fishery Zone, the bag limit was increased from one Snapper per person per day to two Snapper per person per day. The boat limit where three or more persons are on board is increased from 3 Snapper per boat to 6 Snapper per boat. It is these same DNA stock transient Snapper, when travelling through Victoria, that are subjected to Victoria’s regulations, which allow for a bag limit of 10 fish with a minimum size of 28cm and no more than three fish exceeding 40cm.   AFTA has asked for reassessment to bring it into line with Victorian regulations.

I truly appreciate AFTA’s SA representative, Alicia Bolitho (Tackle World, Port Lincoln), who tirelessly worked on Snapper and other state fishing issues representing AFTA. Thank you.

Western Australia

The Labour Government was re-elected, and a new Minister was appointed. AFTA congratulates Minister Jackie Jarvis, and following our meeting in Perth, we look forward to a productive working relationship as we continue to address the issues that impact our industry, such as the demersal (Dhufish and Pink Snapper) season cutbacks.

AFTA Tackle Show – Public Day

L to R: Graeme Bolton (Director General QLD DPI), Hon. Bob Baldwin and Minister Tony Perrett

Minister Tony Perrett will deliver an official address at the 2025 AFTA Public Day.

The Year in Summary

As I mentioned at the beginning, we have faced numerous challenges and opportunities this year, and we anticipate many more in the year ahead.

I want to thank President Michael Starkey (Frogleys Offshore) for his valuable advice, personal commitment, and outstanding efforts, which have ensured that all policies and programs are rolled out successfully and continue to perform effectively.

I appreciate all AFTA board members for their contributions at board meetings and in addressing the numerous issues faced by the association throughout the year; their input and advice at all levels have been invaluable. The AFTA directors, past and present, continue to offer leadership, direction and support through the various challenges encountered over the past year. It is not just about attending meetings but also being available for local advice when needed.

It is essential that the AFTA policy reflects the desires of its members rather than my personal views. This is why proactive AFTA directors are crucial to the success of our organisation. I extend my sincere gratitude to each one of you for your efforts, but we must recognise that there is still much work ahead of us.

I also wish to put on record my sincere appreciation for all the work Heatha Nicholas does with our communications and membership management. It is a great collaborative team effort.

For reports on these meetings and more, please take the time to read my previous monthly Chair Reports at https://afta.net.au/presidents-and-political-reports/

So, tight lines and full tills, I look forward to seeing you at the Show.

Bob