QUEENSLAND

AFTA had the opportunity to meet with the newly appointed Minister for Primary Industry, The Hon Tony Perrett MP, in Brisbane on 16th December. I extend my gratitude to AFTA directors Kord Luckus (Wilson) and Steve Morgan (Fishing Monthly) for attending the meeting during such a busy pre-Christmas period.

L to R: Kord Luckus, Steve Morgan, Hon.Tony Perrett, Hon.Bob Baldwin

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Crisafulli Government’s future direction on recreational fishing. Although no formal LNP election policy documents were released prior to the election, Tony Perrett clearly stated at the AFTA Tackle Show that the gill net program, as committed, would not be reversed. Minister Perrett also emphasized that all decisions, including those concerning Spanish Mackerel, would be based on peer-reviewed science. The Minister reiterated that this approach would continue moving forward.

Minister Perrett confirmed the new government’s commitment to $35,000 sponsorship for the 2025 AFTA Tackle Show Public Day and his positive perception of AFTA’s goals following his visit to the AFTA Tackle Show in 2024.

Other topics discussed included the harvest strategy and resource sharing, the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) and a Ministerial Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (MRFAC), sustainability through recreational-only species, crab net changes, white spot disease management, and the new Qld lifejacket measures. A comprehensive copy of the AFTA Qld Policy Manifesto can be found here. https://afta.net.au/afta-queensland-policy-manifest-update/

AFTA looks forward to continuing to build a better future for recreational fishers in partnership with the Qld Government.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In the week of 25th November, AFTA, represented by Tim Farnell (Red Mullet),  Ben Patrick (Halco), Ash Ramm (Tackleworld Miami), Brian Marshall (Compleat Angler Nedlands) and myself presented AFTA’s Western Australia election policy proposals to, Shane Love MLA, Leader of the National Party,  Libby Mettam MLA, Leader of the Liberal Party, and the Chief of Staff to Minister Don Punch.

The AFTA WA election policy submission is available at https://afta.net.au/afta-policy-submission-on-recreational-fishing-in-wa/

L to R: Tim Farnell, Ben Patrick, Ash Ramm, Brian Marshall, Shane Love MLA and Hon. Bob Baldwin.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Hon.Gerard Maley’s selfie with Hon.Bob Baldwin

The Finocchiaro government has demanded urgent action on illegal fishing in the NT by the commonwealth government. At the same time, AFTA has requested that Recreational Fishing Minister Gerard Maley outline the proposed timeframes for the buyback of the 14 commercial gillnets as committed to prior to the election.

On 19th June, Gerard Maley (in opposition) said:

“We support phasing out the use of gillnets, and if elected, we will work closely with industry to find a fair and equitable solution within four years….. Our team will always safeguard our lifestyle. Recreational fishing is a core part of the Territory lifestyle.”

AFTA hopes that it will not take 4 years to see action on phasing our gillnets.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Recreational Fishing Trust Funding

Hastings Secondary College was pleased to receive the gear kit in early 2024.

Applications are now closed for the current round of funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust for projects that enhance and promote recreational fishing across NSW.

AFTA applied for funding to support “Phase 6” of the “Let’s Go Fishing” school-based program delivered by the Marine Teachers Association.

This program educates and engages NSW school students in recreational fishing as part of the curriculum administered by the Marine Teachers Association NSW.

To date, AFTA has successfully delivered Phases 1 to 5 of the NSW “Let’s Go Fishing” Schools Program in partnership with the Marine Teachers Association and funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust. It is time to progress to Phase 6 to build on these efforts.

If successful, the Phase 6 program will involve:

• Restocking, updating, and replacing equipment where required to the 138 Marine Teacher Association (MTA) member schools.
• Producing and delivering “Series 3” online educational support in the form of a six-part video series complete with supporting Q&A Sheets.

AFTA acknowledges the achievements through all 5 phases of the NSW “Let’s Go Fishing” Schools Program. The support of the program ensures continuity for schools and teachers in delivering quality education and inclusion on recreational fishing.

ELECTIONS:

Over the next 12 months, there will be elections in:

Western Australia

March 8th 2025

Issues to be raised are outlined in AFTA’s policy submission here. 

Federal

May 2025

Issues to be raised:

• Offshore Windfarms
• Shark Depredation
• Importation of green prawns and white spot disease
• Actions to address microplastics in the ocean.
• Banning the importation of Crab Pots that don’t comply with Australia-wide state legislation.

2026 ELECTION DATES 

South Australia

March 21st 2026

Victoria

November 28th 2026

Conclusion

It is that time of year when our thoughts drift towards family and friends. What better way to do just that over the Christmas break than to simply wet a line, to relax and to engage with family and friends?

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to working with you and for you in the year ahead.

Tight Lines & Full Tills,
Cheers
Bob