President’s and Political Reports

AFTA Chair's Report - December 2025 "This past year has presented numerous challenges for our industry, including algal blooms, marine park closures, species restrictions, and...

AFTA Chair's Report - November 2025"The Australian Fishing Trade Association commends the proactive efforts of various governments in their commitment to ensuring stock...

AFTA Chair's Report - October 2025 AFTA appreciates the genuine support for the South Australian Recreational fishing industry from the SA Premier, The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP,...

AFTA Chair's Report - September 2025Governments should recognise that the Recreational Fishing sector adds over $11 billion to Australia's economy and employs around 100,000 FTE...

AFTA Chair's Report - August 2025 "It’s important to recognise dedicated efforts working towards a more sustainable and vibrant industry, both at the Hall of Fame and Industry...

AFTA Chair's Report - July 2025 "The recreational fishing sector comprises dedicated and resilient individuals who consistently address the challenges they face. However, the...

AFTA Chair's Report - AGM 2025"Central to AFTA's mission is the drive to encourage more individuals, particularly families, women, and young people, to adopt recreational fishing...

AFTA President's Report - AGM 2025"I am grateful for the privilege of serving on the Board for the past nine years"   "Notably, we turned around our financial situation,...

AFTA Chair's Report - June 2025 "The increasing use of machetes as weapons in the community has become a significant safety concern for governments nationwide. However, common...

AFTA Chair's Report - May 2025"While the results of elections may not always reflect the preferences of every individual, it is essential for us, as AFTA, to come together to...

AFTA Chair's Report - April 2025 "With the Federal election approaching, it is disheartening that all political parties disregard the over 25% of the population who go...

AFTA Chair's Report - March 2025 "Although the NSW Blue Groper fishery is deemed sustainable, AFTA is concerned about the three-year ban extension based on climate change impacts...

AFTA Chair's Report - February 2025 "The public isn't easily fooled. Election promises thrown around in the last days of a government, which could've been acted upon during its...

AFTA Chair's Report - January 2025 "It's a new year with new challenges for our industry; as such, we must draw on all of our reserves to combat the negative impacts on our...

AFTA Chair's Report - December 2024 “It is often stated that the most valuable gift is the gift of presence. There is no more meaningful Christmas gift than spending time fishing...

AFTA Chair's Report - November 2024 It is often and very well said, "If you don't ask, you don't get!!"  AFTA will never be backward in asking governments for what we want to...

AFTA Chair's Report - October2024 If you have overlooked renewing your AFTA membership in 2024, I strongly encourage you to do so for the 2025 year. The information will be...

AFTA Chair's Report - September 2024 "Governments' restocking freshwater and saltwater species helps boost sustainability and fishability; AFTA advocates for more recreational...

AFTA Chair's Report - August 2024 "The robustness of AFTA is underpinned by the commitment from wholesale exhibitors, retailers, and public involvement. The ongoing influx of...