Mr. Blayney questions the Minister for Fisheries regarding the allocation of additional Western Rock Lobster quota to the Western Australian market, seeking assurance it will be exclusively for Western Australians. The Minister outlines ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders to determine the program's details.

AnsweredQoN 206Legislative Assembly
Asked
2 April 2019
Portfolio
Fisheries

QuestionView source ↗

WESTERN ROCK LOBSTER
FISHERY — REFORM
206. Mr I.C. BLAYNEY to the Minister for Fisheries:
I refer to the minister's
ham-fisted attempt to nationalise the crayfishing industry and the subsequent
spin —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Members, the
minister cannot hear the question.
Mr J.E. McGrath : I can't
hear it either and I'm right alongside him.
The SPEAKER : Get a hearing
aid.
Mr I.C. BLAYNEY : Start again?
The SPEAKER : Yes, start
again, member.
Mr I.C. BLAYNEY : I refer to
the minister's ham-fisted attempt to nationalise the crayfishing
industry and the subsequent spin that it was
all about ensuring more crayfish for Western Australians. Will the minister
guarantee that all the additional quota allocated to the Western Australian
market will be available only for Western Australians; and, if not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for the question.
As the member knows, we reached an in-principle agreement with the industry
that will see up to 315 tonnes made available for domestic lobster supply. That
will go towards supplying locals, whether it be through restaurants, a lobster
festival or an enhancement of the existing Local Lobster program. The member
would, or should, be aware that we are currently working through the details of
how the program will work with representatives from the lobster industry. We
have had discussions with the fishers and the processors. We are also having
discussions with representatives from the restaurant industry and the broader
hospitality industry. How that process will work and the details will be
subject, hopefully, to a successful conclusion of those discussions with
industry. When we conclude those discussions, the member will be one of the
first people to know the outcome.

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