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Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), the national peak-body representing the Australian seafood industry, has welcomed the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

“There are a number of measures in this budget which will directly and indirectly support Australia’s commercial seafood producers,” SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said. 

“SIA, along with the South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA) welcome Assistant Minister Duniam’s announcement of a $24 million package to support the structural adjustment of the fishery.

“This package has been delivered in response to quotas set for the 2022/23 fishing year announced earlier this week by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. These management actions have been taken in order to safeguard the sustainability of the fishery. 

“Driven by a combination of external environmental factors, and not by current fishing effort, six fish species in the south east of Australia have declined below sustainable limits and are not recovering. Australia’s commercial fishers understand, respect and support measures that ensure the ongoing sustainability of world-class industry. 

“SIA is supportive of measures announced to support small businesses, biosecurity, modernise manufacturing, safeguard the Great Barrier Reef, and to support mental health early intervention and services. We hope the significant commitment made to mental health funding includes the continuation and expansion of the seafood industry’s successful mental health pilot program, which is soon concluding in our three industry-identified focus communities. 

“The Australian Government has been a strong supporter of the Australian seafood sector, providing assistance through natural disasters, the coronavirus pandemic and trade disruptions to key domestic and international markets. We look forward to this support continuing into the future so that we may remain prosperous, and ready to face the opportunities and any challenges, that await us in the future.”

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A copy of SETFIA’s media statement is available here.