With an upcoming Federal election, AFTA has written both openly and directly to many politicians requesting a response regarding their policies on recreational fishing.
See below the letter to The Hon. Julie Collins MP, Shadow Minister for Agriculture
When a response is received it will be posted below.
Dear Julie,
Re: Recreational Fishing Policy – Federal Election
The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) is the peak body representing the Recreational Fishing tackle industry at the wholesale, import, manufacturing, media, and retail levels. Our members are Australia wide, and hence through the process of conducting their business, our contact extends to all recreational fishers, numbering greater than 5 million.
We are requesting your Recreational Fishing policy platform ahead of the forthcoming federal election. Upon receipt of your policy, we will publish the policy as received on our website and distribute to our members directly.
AFTA is non-partisan; our members will individually decide which political party has the best interests of recreational fishers, and therefore their business at heart. Our members are seeking as a minimum your proposals and commitments for:
1. Commonwealth Marine Parks & Management Plans
2. Fish Stock Resource Sharing between Commercial, Recreational & Indigenous fisheries in relation to, but not limited to: Snapper, Bluefin Tuna & Spanish Mackerel
3. Control & eradication of non-native invasive species, e.g. Carp & Tilapia in our waterways
This is an opportunity to present your policy directly to those who will benefit by your decisions. The past two years have been incredibly challenging for the recreational fishing sector, with restrictions having both economic and social impacts. Support for the recreational fishing sector at this time is paramount to the sustainability and success of recreational fishing across Australia, and in turn those 5 million-plus participants.
Prior to the commencement of the election pre-poll, AFTA will prepare, present, and distribute a Policy Scorecard based on the policy information you and all other political parties/independents provide to AFTA on recreational fishing. Should you wish not to advise your policy, this will be noted as a failure to respond, and it will be up to our members how they interpret.
AFTA is willing and welcomes any request to engage with you on recreational fishing policy matters. We look forward to your response to help our members make an informed decision on their futures.
Should you wish to contact us directly, please do not hesitate.
Yours sincerely,
The Hon. Bob Baldwin Michael StarkeyChair – Australian Fishing Trade Association President