Commercial fishermen in Cairns have been left stranded after Labor ripped up a lifetime right to fish in Trinity Bay.
The Palaszczuk Labor Government last month reneged on an agreement made between former Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk, former Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt and seven local fishermen, allowing them to fish in the bay under the Queensland Fisheries Regulation.
Leader of the Opposition Lawrence Springborg joined local fisherman Bruce Batch in Portsmith today, calling on Labor to honour its original agreement
“Former Labor Ministers Henry Palaszczuk and Warren Pitt promised these fishermen they would be able to operate in Trinity Bay for the lifetime of their businesses,” Mr Springborg said.
“It’s extremely disappointing the new Palaszczuk Labor Government has ripped up this agreement and goes to show what little regard this government has for guarantees, promises and commitments.
“What it also shows is that Minister Bill Byrne failed to adequately consult and it’s high time the Premier stepped in and ensured these fishermen are looked after.”
Mr Springborg said it beggared belief that Labor would not only dishonour a lifetime commitment, but would do it without any consultation and through a cold-hearted letter from the Fisheries Department.
“This isn’t just pocket money we’re talking about. We’re talking about people’s businesses and people’s livelihoods,” he said.
“What concerns me most is when Mr Batch and his solicitor raised their concerns with the Fisheries Department, he got a ‘too bad, so sad’ response.”
Mr Springborg said he was appalled Labor’s only proposing a one-off $48,000 compensation payment to Mr Batch and his fellow fishers when they would be stripped of around half of their annual revenue.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk promised her government would listen and consult with Queenslanders but that’s not what we’ve seen so far,” he said.
“This mess the industry is in is another example of the Palaszczuk Labor Government saying one thing and doing another.
“Queenslanders didn’t vote for this.” Springborg said the LNP’s position remained clear.
“The LNP does not support net-free fishing zones without proper community and industry consultation, fair compensation and scientific evidence.”
