Vol 3, Issue 19, 20 October 2006 [see previous editions]
INSIDE THIS EDITION: |
|
|
|
AFMA to become a commission
Australian Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz, has announced that from 1 July 2008, AFMA will transition from an authority to an independent fisheries commission reporting more directly to the Minister.
The decision to implement changes to AFMA’s governance arrangements follows the recent Uhrig Review of statutory authorities, and the changes are in line with the Government’s policy, Governance Arrangements for Australian Government Bodies.
The principal changes for AFMA relate to its financial management and accountability to government. The current board structure will be replaced with a commission model, consistent with the Uhrig template for regulatory bodies.
“As is the case with current AFMA Board members, future commissioners will be appointed on the basis of a high level of expertise in areas such as fisheries, resource economics and natural resource management,” Senator Abetz said.
Senator Abetz also said that from the fishing industry’s perspective, much of the day-to-day operation of AFMA would remain the same.
“AFMA will retain the same name as well as existing consultative mechanisms such as the Management Advisory Committees (MACs) and Resource Assessment Groups (RAGs), which have shown themselves to be particularly important in the management of Australia’s Commonwealth fisheries,” he said. Notwithstanding that, the Government has taken the opportunity to fine tune some areas of its relationship to AFMA.
AFMA will continue to be involved in the investigation and prosecution of illegal fishing by foreign fishing vessels in the Australian Fishing Zone. “The Government’s decision recognises that AFMA has done a great job working closely with Customs and the Navy in this difficult area of foreign fisheries compliance,” Senator Abetz said.
“The key difference in the future will be that AFMA will report directly to the Minister, rather than the commissioners, on foreign compliance matters, reflecting the need for direct ministerial oversight of activities that have foreign policy implications.”
Senator Abetz said he was keen to ensure minimum disruption in the transition to the new governance arrangements.
“I am particularly conscious that this is a period of intense activity in Commonwealth fisheries and my Department will be consulting with the existing AFMA Board and staff, industry and other stakeholders to ensure the transition to the new arrangements is implemented as smoothly as possible.”
[top]
Strong foundation for the future
AFMA Chairman Tony Rundle said the new arrangements will maintain the currently strong foundation for AFMA and its stakeholders to keep on with the job of ensuring the sustainability of Australia Commonwealth fisheries.
“The new requirement for AFMA to report directly to the Minister on foreign fishing matters will create a closer synergy between foreign compliance operations and government policy while allowing future Commissioners of AFMA to focus their efforts on the management needs of Australia’s domestic Commonwealth fisheries.
“The decision to retain foreign compliance operations within AFMA is a reflection of the outstanding efforts of AFMA in working with other agencies to combat illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters.
“I am particularly pleased that the Government has decided to preserve AFMA’s consultative structure. The MACs and RAGs form the basis of AFMA’s co-management approach to Commonwealth fisheries management.
“We look forward to working closely with the Australian Government to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements,” he said.
CFA welcomes new future for AFMA
The Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA), the peak industry body for concession holders in fisheries managed by AFMA, has welcomed the Government’s announcement.
Mr Thomas, CFA President, said it puts to an end the uncertainty that has prevailed over recent months regarding the future of AFMA.
“While the CFA would have preferred to retain AFMA in its current format, the Government’s commitment to meaningful consultation by the retention of existing consultative arrangements is acknowledged,” said Mr Thomas.
Mr Thomas said the MACs and RAGs have proved to be an integral component of effective and cost efficient fisheries management.
In relation to the replacement of the AFMA Board with Commissioners, the CFA considers it will be essential that the Commissioners appointed by the Minister have the appropriate practical expertise to understand and manage the complex range of fisheries for which the new body will be responsible.
Mr Thomas said the Minister had dealt with industry’s concerns regarding the need for stability over the next few months while the impacts of the “Securing our Fishing Future” package are finalised, by deferring the change to a Commission until July 2008.
The CFA will closely monitor additional details of the move from a Statutory Authority to a Commission as they become available.
