TONY Abbott will “suspend and review” the ALP’s contentious marine lock-up plans if he wins office at the September 7 election.
The Opposition Leader made the announcement today in a speech at the 2013 AFTA tackle show on the Gold Coast. The policy announcement, made as part of the Coalition’s fishery policy, also released today, means that the massive lock-ups pushed by anti-fishing groups will not go ahead if Mr Abbott beats Kevin Rudd at the poll.
Mr Abbott addressed hundreds of exhibitors at the tackle show and highlighted the important role recreational fishing plays in Australian society. The visit by the Opposition Leader was organised by Nationals Senator Ron Boswell and Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck, both ardent supporters of the recreational fishing sector.
AFTA CEO Allan Hansard said Mr Abbott’s announcement was “very welcome”. “We have argued long and hard that the lock-outs proposed by the Government were discriminatory and unfair. It is fantastic to see that the Opposition has realised that we need science, not political deals, to manage our marine environment. “Mr Abbott’s announcements today mark a new era in the relationship between anglers and our national government.”
Stay tuned to Fisho for video footage of shadow fisheries minister Senator Richard Colbeck speaking at AFTA.
