Volume 5, Issue 16, 29 July 2008 [see previous editions]
New e-Logs System
Following some initial work over the past three years with operations in the NPF, AFMA has now made the investment necessary to develop an e-logs system to operate in all AFMA fisheries.
In April this year a contractor was engaged to simplify the data collected from a range of log book types. We now have a single data format which means we can take data from each type of log book and use that data to produce consistent streams of information from each fishery.
Software developers of e-log solutions require this format to produce log book data accredited by AFMA. This format will be provided to developers in mid August 2008 so the next phase of the program can be developed. The next step is to produce a program that can automate the whole process - taking data from e-logs and loading it into AFMA's analysis systems without the need for human intervention. We expect the new online e-logs system to be launched in early 2009.
To make the system even easier, e-logs can be digitally signed which ensures the whole process can be completed online, without the need for paper log books. The Australian Tax Office already provides digital certificates free of charge as a service for BAS lodgements and AFMA will accept e-logbooks signed using ATO certificates.
Project updates will be provided throughout 2008 in AFMA Update.
Official Gifts
Charter trips, hampers and even bottles of wine are occasionally offered as gifts to AFMA staff for simply doing their job. Perhaps they have done their job really well but Public Service guidelines mean that even pats on the back need to be formally recorded.
Well not quite, but our staff simply can't accept gifts so it's a bit embarrassing for everyone involved when one of our staff have to politely refuse.
We've made sure that our code of conduct has been amended in line with Australian Public Service and asked staff not to accept gifts from industry.
While a small gift for a job well done is often appropriate business practice; when the gift is given by industry to an employee of the Government authority responsible for regulating that industry, both parties can become open to accusations of bias or corruption.
Instead, write a letter or even an e-mail telling us and we'll make sure that is taken into account during our annual performance review.
If you would like to contact our CEO, please feel free to do so:
Glenn Hurry
CEO, AFMA
73 Northbourne Avenue
CIVIC ACT 2600
1300 723 621
Review of Cancellation Provisions in Commonwealth Fisheries Legislation
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is conducting a review of cancellation provisions in Commonwealth fisheries legislation. These provisions allow for the cancellation of fishing concessions which include statutory fishing rights, fishing permits or licences.
The review is being conducted to fulfil the Australian Government's 2007 election commitment to: Review the feasibility of alternatives to the cancellation provisions under the Fisheries Management Act. The Department has expanded the scope of the review to include an examination of cancellation provisions under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 (Cth)to ensure consistent application of Commonwealth fisheries policy.
A questionnaire has been developed as a first step to seek stakeholder views on the current cancellation provisions, the alternatives to the current arrangements and the criteria the department will use to determine the feasibility of alternative arrangements. This information gathered via the questionnaire will be discussed in a workshop in September and be incorporated into the review report. Completed questionnaires should be returned to the department by 8 August 2008.
The department will also be holding a half-day workshop in Canberra on 3 September 2008 to bring together stakeholders to discuss the information gathered via the questionnaire and to gather people's views on current cancellation provisions, options for reform and the feasibility of alternative provisions. Copies of the questionnaire can be found on the department website.
Alternatively please contact Mr John English at the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry on (02) 6272 3501 or by email: cancellation.review@daff.gov.au
Disposal by tender - Long boats (x 17)
Tender Number AFMATI01/08
Tenders are invited for the purchase of seventeen (17) long boats forfeited to the Commonwealth of Australia under Section 52 of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.
The boats (hulls only) are offered for individual sale and are of varying condition and length (3 of 6 metres and 14 of 7 metres). Conditions will apply to the sale and details of these and the procedures for the sale are in the Disposal by Tender documentation. Copies of the tender documentation are available from AFMA's Thursday Island office.
Questions and arrangements for inspection should be directed to:
John Marrington
Manager Foreign Compliance Operations
Torres Strait
Telephone: (07) 4069 1945
Facsimile: (07) 4069 1425
E-mail: john.marrington@afma.gov.au
Tenders close 8 August 2008
SBT Core and Buffer Zones 2008
Following the first capture of southern bluefin tuna off the east coast of Australia, the SBT Zones have been instituted in the ETBF for 2008.
The operation of the SBT zones in 2008 is similar to 2007 where the current SBT zones are posted on the AFMA website and provide detail of other arrangements that must be complied with.
Alternatively an update on the location of the SBT zones can be obtained by contacting the ETBF manager on (02) 6225 5313.
If you have any questions regarding the management arrangements associated with the SBT zones please contact Trent Timmiss on
(02) 6225 5313.
