❓ Dr. Honey questions the Premier regarding the Minister for Fisheries' handling of the Western Rock Lobster industry, alleging attempted nationalisation and withholding of funds. The Premier denies the nationalisation claim, defends the government's intentions, and expresses optimism for improved relations.
AnsweredQoN 979Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WESTERN ROCK LOBSTER
INDUSTRY — MINISTER FOR FISHERIES
979. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Premier:
I refer to the Minister for
Fisheries —
Mr D.J. Kelly interjected.
Dr D.J. HONEY : I am glad the
minister is speaking up.
The SPEAKER : Minister for
Water!
Dr D.J. HONEY : I refer to
the Minister for Fisheries' attempted nationalisation of the
crayfishing industry.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : I want to hear
this question in silence. Start again.
Dr D.J. HONEY : Thank you, Mr
Speaker. My question is to the Premier. I refer to the Minister for Fisheries' attempted nationalisation of the crayfishing
industry, and his subsequent vindictive attempt to withhold $195 000 in industry levies from the Western Rock Lobster Council. Can the Premier confirm
the fishing industry's complaints that its relationship with the
Minister for Fisheries is completely broken; and, if so, will he now replace
the minister with someone who can work constructively with the industry?
INDUSTRY — MINISTER FOR FISHERIES
979. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Premier:
I refer to the Minister for
Fisheries —
Mr D.J. Kelly interjected.
Dr D.J. HONEY : I am glad the
minister is speaking up.
The SPEAKER : Minister for
Water!
Dr D.J. HONEY : I refer to
the Minister for Fisheries' attempted nationalisation of the
crayfishing industry.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : I want to hear
this question in silence. Start again.
Dr D.J. HONEY : Thank you, Mr
Speaker. My question is to the Premier. I refer to the Minister for Fisheries' attempted nationalisation of the crayfishing
industry, and his subsequent vindictive attempt to withhold $195 000 in industry levies from the Western Rock Lobster Council. Can the Premier confirm
the fishing industry's complaints that its relationship with the
Minister for Fisheries is completely broken; and, if so, will he now replace
the minister with someone who can work constructively with the industry?
AnswerView source ↗
Clearly,
the entire premise and the entire question is wrong. With the crayfishing
industry, we tried to secure more crayfish for Western Australia and we
tried to ensure there was a monetary benefit for the people of Western Australia.
That is what we tried to do. I do not understand how the member converted that
into nationalising, when we were trying to monetise it and sell it; I do not
quite understand the member's logic. It was so that other players could
come into the industry. That was the plan. Obviously the industry did not
support it, so we did not proceed with it. With any industry, relationships go
up and down. I expect the government's relationship with crayfishing
and the fishing industry will improve as it does with all aspects and with all
industries across Western Australia.
the entire premise and the entire question is wrong. With the crayfishing
industry, we tried to secure more crayfish for Western Australia and we
tried to ensure there was a monetary benefit for the people of Western Australia.
That is what we tried to do. I do not understand how the member converted that
into nationalising, when we were trying to monetise it and sell it; I do not
quite understand the member's logic. It was so that other players could
come into the industry. That was the plan. Obviously the industry did not
support it, so we did not proceed with it. With any industry, relationships go
up and down. I expect the government's relationship with crayfishing
and the fishing industry will improve as it does with all aspects and with all
industries across Western Australia.
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