State Election Scorecard
From the nonsensical and non responses to new election commitment heights, our scorecard reveals the results.
Firstly, thanks to the parties and independent candidates that met with us and took the time to respond to our election priorities. We appreciate it even if we don’t always agree with it.
To those that didn’t, we’re sorry you didn’t have the time or inclination to support rec fishers or their peak body with a response, you’ve left tens of thousands of voters in the dark on our favourite past time,
Once you’ve checked out the scorecard, you can read our analysis below.
No response received to our election priorities include: Tasmanian Nationals, Kristie Johnston (Ind. Clark), Michelle Dracoulis (Ind. Lyons), and Peter George (Ind. Franklin) - but more on that later.
CEO comments
It’s fair to say that Ind. Candidate for Franklin, David O’Byrne, got out of the blocks early and set the bar, supporting almost all our priorities including the biggy - first access to rock lobster allowable catch on the East Coast.
Mr O’Byrne may have been the first to respond to our rec fishing priorities but he wasn’t the first to release a rec fishing policy. Peter George, Ind. Candidate or Franklin, can take that mantle although the nonsense policy has been panned by all and sundry. Except the Greens.
Labor and Liberal aren’t worlds apart but it’s pleasing to see the major parties commitments to: recognise rec fishers rights and interests in legislation, ruling out a general rod and line licence, as well as funding increases for independent science and monitoring. Labor does edge out the Liberal party thanks to their commitments around emerging species like King George Whiting. It appears the Liberal Party are also trying to forget their commitment from 2021 to increase access for rec fishers to rock lobster on the East Coast. Rest assured, we have no intention of letting that go. Ever.
Pausing on rock lobster for a moment, it is important to understand that 12,000 Tasmanians fish for rock lobster on the East Coast, it is where 3 out of every 4 of our crays comes from. Whoever forms government post election will be on a barbwire fence trying to find a solution to resource allocation on the East Coast between commercial and recreational fishers. So if you’re a rec rock lobster fisher - please make sure you’re a TARFish member - we all need to work together in coming months if we want the best result.
Craig Garland may look bad on the scorecard but was all ears when we met. His agenda is major legislative reform including new marine environment legislation that would sit above existing legislation and a new statutory authority. Great to see some big thinking and a focus on engagement but the devil is always in the detail. And the cost.
The Greens response didn’t get much further than stating their belief that sustainability, ecosystem health, and the preservation of fish populations is their primary goal. I don’t think anyone disagrees that abundant fisheries and healthy habitats are essential to great fishing (they’re in our strategic plan for example) but the question remains - how would we get there, when and who pays? Without any policy detail, it’s anyone’s guess.
The one thing absolutely everyone agrees on is sufficient resourcing for marine police and fisheries officers and capacity to enforce fishing rules. With so much support, it will be interesting to see how it will translate into compliance action post-election that doesn’t just result in more cuts and restrictions to rec fishers.
So there you have it. It’s been a busy election campaign but I expect the hardest work will begin after 19 July when we’ll work with all the members chosen by Tasmanians to represent them, to get the best outcomes for rec fishers no matter what policy or positions they have taken to the election.
Thanks,
Jane Gallichan