15 August 2003
Justice John Lockhart QC,
Chairman,
Shark Quota Independent Review Panel,
AFMA,
P O Box 7051,
CANBERRA B C, ACT 2610
Fax: 02 6272 5167
Dear Chairman,
Southern Shark Fishery - Independent Review Panel
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss matters of concern with you and the Shark Quota Independent Review Panel at the Hobart port meeting on 16 July 2003.
As discussed we do not have any argument with AFMA about their decision to appoint a new Panel to review the shark quota allocation or the process they have elected to adopt under the circumstances.
We do however have very real concerns that any recommendations from your Panel to change the current quota allocations, and if adopted by the AFMA Board, could dramatically change individual existing quota allocations thereby seriously impacting on many hard working fishermen through no fault of their own.
I am aware that the Panel’s Terms of Reference makes no mention of financial compensation or restructuring assistance for those people whose livelihoods may be turned upside down by decisions well beyond their control.
I note however that the Terms of Reference under item 5 do enable you to include any reasons or observations you think appropriate.
If your Panel recommends a change to the current quota entitlements of individual shark fishermen then we urge you to adopt a compassionate, realistic and fair approach and to recognise the severe impact your recommendations may have on the individuals and families of the people adversely effected.
It could be that restructuring assistance may not cost a whole lot of money but it would enable some fishermen to reorganise or even leave the fishery with a level of dignity and respect intact and without severe changes in their financial circumstances.
We therefore urge you to address the issue of structure adjustment/compensation in your recommendations to AFMA to ensure that any changes to fishing entitlements take into account individual circumstances and reimburse them for any financial impacts.
Yours faithfully
R.K.LISTER
Chief Executive