Hon Rob Horstman questions the Minister for Fisheries regarding the implementation of electronic monitoring systems on commercial fishing vessels, seeking clarification on the state government's plan, financial assistance, and contractor selection. The Minister's response indicates confusion and clarifies the state's responsibilities under the EPBC Act, separate from AFMA programs.

AnsweredQoN 469Legislative Assembly
Asked
26 June 2025
Portfolio
Fisheries

QuestionView source ↗

Fisheries—Electronic monitoring program
469. Hon Rob Horstman to
the Minister for Fisheries:
I refer to the
Australian Fisheries Management Authority's electronic monitoring program for
fisheries and the state government's responsibility to implement the
Commonwealth's mandate of electronic monitoring systems on commercial fishing
vessels.
(1) What is the state
government's implementation plan, and when does the state government intend to
begin enforcement of the Commonwealth mandate on Western Australian
fisheries?
(2) Will the Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development (DPIRD) extend its 2023 rollout rebate to assist
commercial fishers?
(3) Will DPIRD utilise the Commonwealth's
third-party management of video footage by Archipelago Asia Pacific (AAP) to
implement an in-house solution or engage an alternative contractor?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member
for some notice of the question. Before I answer, this question caused a lot of
confusion, because it seems to be confusing two different programs. I will read
the answer, but I am happy to have a discussion behind the chair.
(1)–(3) The WA government has
responsibilities under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act to meet conditions on wildlife trade operations approvals,
including those conditions relating to independent monitoring. The Department
of Primary Industries and Regional Development is working with relevant fishers
to determine the most appropriate way to meet these conditions. These
requirements are separate to any programs administered by the Australian
Fisheries Management Authority.

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