The Minister responsible for fisheries is under pressure from one of his own former colleagues over the inconsistent and unfair restrictions on launching boats.
Shadow Minister for Resources Shane Broad said former senior Federal Liberal MP Bob Baldwin has written to Minister Guy Barnett, urging him to see common sense on the restrictions.
“Labor has been arguing for weeks that the ongoing restrictions relating to recreational fishers seem to defy logic,” Dr Broad said.
“Now we even have a former Liberal venting frustration on behalf of recreational fishers who remain limited to boating within their own municipality until at least 15 June.
The government should take a common sense approach and ease these restrictions sooner.
“As Chair of the Australian Fishing Trade Association, Bob Baldwin’s letter to Guy Barnett shows the depth of feeling within the fishing community against these senseless restrictions.
“As Mr Baldwin rightly points out, people are allowed to travel outside their municipality to fish from jetties and beaches, and for other activities, so why are these restrictions in place when launching a boat from a ramp?
“What is so potentially infectious about launching a boat compared to golfing, riding a bike or shopping?
“Tasmanian Labor has already been contacted by numerous fishers asking why their chosen recreational pursuit is being treated differently to other activities.
“These are people who are more than willing to appropriately social distance in the boat and at the boat ramp; they just want be able to engage is an activity they love, catch a feed and improve their mental health.
“Guy Barnett must show some common sense and listen to the people he is supposed to represent. Even his former Liberal colleagues think so.”
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Resources
