18th Sep 2012, 2:02 PM – Senate Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Declared Commercial Fishing Activities) Bill 2012 — Second Reading — Explain reason for policy reversal

The majority voted against an amendment introduced by Senator Richard Colbeck, which means that it was rejected. It would have amended the original motion "that the bill be now read a second time"(Read more about the stages that a bill must pass through to become law here. ) with the following:

At the end of the motion, add:

"but the Senate calls on the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities to:

(1) explain:

(a) the reasons for his decision to reverse the policy that he introduced as Fisheries Minister in October 2009 which stated: 'There are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels';

(b) why he effectively invited the Margiris into Australia by promoting 'large scale factory freezer vessels'; and

(c) what actions he will take to compensate the 50 Australian workers who are losing their jobs as a consequence of this legislation; and

(2) introduce amendments to the Fisheries Management Act 1991 to expand the powers for greater spatial management provisions'."

Because the majority voted against this amendment, it was rejected.

Background to the bill

The bill was introduced "to establish an independent expert panel to conduct an assessment into the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of a declared commercial fishing activity and to prohibit the declared commercial fishing activity while the assessment is undertaken".(Read more about the bill, including the text of the bill and its explanatory memoranda, here. )

It was introduced following the controversial arrival of the super trawler FV Margiris into Australian waters. Opponents to the trawler argue that its presence "will cause localised overfishing and could drive away bluefin tuna".(Read more about the arguments against the super trawler here. ) Supporters disagree, saying the trawler's quota is sustainable.(As above. ) Environment Minister Tony Burke position was there "there was significant uncertainty regarding the impact of such a large fishing vessel on the marine environment",(Read more in the bills digest.) hence the need for an assessment into the potential impacts.