Thursday, 20 March 2025

Victorian Fisheries Authority

Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (09:46): Many of my constituents are deeply concerned about the Labor government’s plans to restructure and slash the Victorian Fisheries Authority. This will see a 50 per cent staff cut and the closure of vital fishery enforcement stations, all because Labor is broke and cannot manage money. Less officers will result in reduced inspections and enforcements and more maritime crime and environmental damage. A lack of enforcement will only be to the detriment of recreational anglers, who will see declining fish stocks and a worse-off environment. It is time that the government got its priorities right and listened to the law-abiding Victorians who just want to enjoy the natural environment. Fishery enforcements cannot afford to be weakened.