Click on one of the bullet points below to access more information and downloads.  

Please click here to download a copy of the SIA 2021-22 Annual Report. 

Board Meeting –  23 June 2022

SIA held its quarterly Board meeting via Teams on the 23 June 2022 with six Board members in attendance and one apology. We appreciate Clayton joining from 2:00-4:00am European time.As per our commitment, please find below a short summary of this Board meeting to better keep you informed of SIA’s activities.

  • Chair Elect and Deputy Chair Elect: In order to assist in the transition of the Chair and Deputy Chair positions, the Board decided to hold elections for Chair Elect and Deputy Chair Elect at the June Board meeting. The Board viewed a 3 month transition period as sufficient time for the Chair Elect and current Chair to work together with the CEO to ensure a smooth transition. I will continue to act as Chair until after the September Board meeting when the new Chair will take over for the AGM and Seafood Directions. 
    • Elections were held and Clayton Nelson was elected as Chair Elect and Catherine Sayer as Deputy Chair Elect.  The Board congratulated them on their election and believe they will provide SIA with strong leadership and guidance.
  • Financial: SIA annual invoices have been issued for the Financial Year 2023.  As of the Board meeting, renewals were well ahead of previous years.  As a voluntary membership body your generous support is always valued and put to best use. Thank you for continuing to support SIA. 
  • Budget 2023: The FARM committee put forward a recommendation to approve the SIA budget and cash flow budget for FY 2023.  After one amendment, the Board unanimously approved the Budget and cash flow budget. 
  • SIA Strategic Plan Development 2023-2028: The CEO submitted a Strategic Plan Project Brief and budget which the Board supported.
  • Directors Nomination Committee: Clayton Nelson is chairing this committee and it has now begun the process of SIA Director nominations as per our email communications.  The SIA Board is a “skill” based board and we encourage any member that believes they can contribute to this Board to nominate. In addition to this we look to our members to encourage possible candidates outside of the membership base who you believe could contribute strategically to the SIA board. There will be two Board positions to be filled at the September 2022 AGM with Dennis Holder and myself retiring as directors.
  • Board Calendar: The Board approved the Board and Committee Calendar for next financial year increasing the number of face-to-face meeting opportunities so that the board can continue to interact with SIA members around the country.
  • Risk Register: The Board reviewed SIA’s risk register as drafted by the CEO and made one adjustment to a risk rating. The risk register has been updated to reflect the potential financial consequences of each risk as rated by consequence and likelihood. 
  • SIA Project Framework: The Board considered the Draft Project Framework and endorsed the need for such a framework. A revised draft to be submitted to the Board for consideration and approval at the next Board meeting.
  • CEO Report: The CEO provided update papers on the following issues (some but not all projects listed):
    • Current external market environment, labour and training, inflation, diesel price escalation, stakeholder engagement, Federal Government activities, FRDC engagement
    • Outcome of Federal Election and commitments made by the Labor Government.  
      • A commitment to maintain our robust Australian Marine Park network in its current form. 
      • A commitment to fund a $1.5 million, two-year national roll-out of the Stay Afloat mental health program to 50 seafood hubs around the country. 
      • A landmark commitment to work with the seafood and hospitality sectors to implement mandatory Country of Origin Labelling for Australian seafood sold in in foodservice.
    • The Board and CEO acknowledged the outstanding contribution by Jessica McInerney to SIA’s Federal election advocacy work.
    • Policy and Project Officer Aquaculture Report – Julie Petty.
    • Update on each of SIA’s key priorities: 
  • Program Updates, including but not limited to:
    • Mental Health Pilot “Stay Afloat” including national roll out plans
    • Resource Security Taskforce
    • Seafood Directions 2022 (13-15 September)
    • ATMAC – market diversification – Year 1 & 2 roll out
    • Open SC/Traceability Project
    • Social Licence/Climate Change Resilience for Wildcatch
    • SIA Safety Project
    • Media and communications comprehensive update – Jessica McInerney
  • Financial reports: were received and discussed.
    • SIA is solvent and can meet its debts as they fall due.
    • CEO provided a comprehensive report on SIA’s financial position.
    • Papers provided on Project administration revenue and expenditure, events and sponsorship.
  • Next Board meeting is scheduled for 13 September 2022 at Seafood Directions.

Please click here to access a recording of the SIA Members’ Forum – March 2022. 

Please click here to access a copy of the slides from the SIA Members’ Forum – March 2022. 

Board Meeting – March 24, 2022

SIA held its Board meeting on the 24 March 2022 with all Board members in attendance. This was the first face to face meeting in two years and was held at the Melbourne Seafood Centre. Thank you to Barbara Konstas and her team for their generosity and support in coordinating the session.

In May of this year, SIA will have been established and operational for five years. We thank all of you for your support during this period. It is only through our Members that we can continue to operate.

As per our commitment, please find below a short summary of this Board meeting to better keep you informed on SIA’s activities.

  • Financial: Congratulations to our SIA team as they have now met and exceeded our budgets for sponsorship, membership and project income. A few years ago, SIA set out to lessen its dependence on Membership fees and build sponsorship and project income and that growth momentum continues to build.
  • SIA Marine Parks Policy: The Board reviewed the SIA policy on Marine Parks and passed a resolution to send the draft Marine Park’s policy to members for consultation. We thank Andrew Sullivan and Veronica Papacosta for their work on this policy.
  • National and State Peak Body Framework: The Board resolved to engage state and commonwealth peak representative bodies into a formal process to create an accord that results in the development of an Operational Framework Agreement.
  • Membership Fees: the Board resolved to maintain the current value of membership fees for each membership category for the next financial year. SIA has not increased membership fees since establishment. Renewal invoices will be issued 1 May 2022 for the 2023 year.
  • Strategy:
    • SIA Strategic Plan Development (2023-2028): SIA’s current strategic plan is set to expire in 2023, so the Board is preparing a review and potential restructure of the plan which will then be put to Members for review and comment.
    • Risk Register: The Board reviewed SIA’s risk register as drafted by the CEO and added one additional risk to the register. To better improve SIA’s risk management, the Board will be reviewing the risk register on a quarterly basis to ensure that risks are being managed adequately and to identify emerging risks before they can have a negative impact. Thanks to Mark Ryan for providing us with a precedent for a risk impact table to identify the potential financial consequences of each risk as rated by consequence and likelihood.
  • Nominations Committee: Catherine Sayer has kindly agreed to take on the Nominations Committee Chair position. This committee is responsible for the Director nomination process with the election to be held at our September AGM where two new directors will be elected.
  • Committee Chairs: Elections were held for chair of the FARM and Corporate Governance Committees. We congratulate Mark Ryan (FARM Chair) and Catherine Sayer (CGC Chair) for their commitment to chair these committees.
  • Chair Position: The chair noted that he will not be eligible to stand again for re-election in September as he has reached the end of his two-term maximum. He encouraged all Board members interested to consider standing for the Chair position at the December 2022 Board meeting.
  • Membership Survey Feedback: the Board reviewed the Membership feedback in detail from the Survey which took place in January 2022. It specifically took note of suggested areas of improvement. Again, thanks to those Members that responded.
  • CEO Report: The CEO provided update papers on the following issues (some but not all projects listed):
    • Current external market environment, foreign labour, diesel price escalation, flood affected areas and mass fish kills, stakeholder engagement, Federal Government activities, FRDC engagement
    • Federal Election Update
    • Update on each of SIA’s key priorities: Resource Security of Access, Mental Health and safety, Social Licence, Aquaculture and Biosecurity, Country of Origin Labelling, Labour and Training, Market Access & Trade
    • Aquaculture Advisory Committee update – Congratulations to Julie Petty on her appointment as Aquaculture Policy and Project Officer
    • Program Updates
      • Mental Health Pilot “Stay Afloat” including QLD mental health extension
      • Resource Security Taskforce
      • Seafood Directions 2022 (13-15 September)
      • ATMAC – market diversification – year 2
      • Seafood Market Access and Trade – EU, India and Gulf Free Trade Agreements
      • Open SC/Traceability Project
      • Climate Resilience for Wildcatch
      • Great Australian Fish & Chips Awards 2021
      • Capacity Building Workshops – Fishwell Consulting
      • SIA Safety Project
    • Media and communications comprehensive update
  • Financial reports: were received and discussed.
    • SIA is solvent and can meet its debts as they fall due
    • CEO provided a comprehensive report on SIA’s financial position
    • Papers provided on Project revenue and expenditure, events and sponsorship
  • Next Board meeting is scheduled for 23 June 2022
  • Member Lunch: after the Board meeting, the four Board members attending the Melbourne meeting in person met with circa 20 Members for an informal lunch. We appreciate our Members attending and sharing their views. Representatives from the following members attended:
    • Atlantis Fisheries Consulting Group
    • Corpay (Sponsor)
    • Jack Miriklis Pty Ltd
    • Kansom Australia Pty Ltd
    • Mainstream Aquaculture
    • McLaughlin Consolidated Fishermen Ltd
    • Melbourne Seafood Centre
    • Seafood Industry Victoria
    • The Fish Shoppe
    • Women in Seafood Australia

Click here for a copy of SIA’s submission to the Queensland Country of Origin Labelling bill.

Click here for a copy of SIA’s submission on the Agriculture Visa. 

Click here for a copy of SIA’s submission to the Meat Labelling Inquiry.

Board Meeting – December 2, 2021

SIA held its Board meeting on the December 2, 2021 with all Board members attending. As per our commitment, please find below a short summary of this Board meeting to better keep you informed on SIA’s activities.

  • Membership renewals have exceeded last year (in number and financial contribution) with more still considering membership.
  • The Board welcomed its two new Directors: Catherine Sayer and Stephanie Kaparos.
  • As per SIA’s corporate governance process, the position of Chair and Deputy Chair are vacated at the December Board meeting every year and elections held. The Board re-elected Chauncey Hammond as Chair and Clayton Nelson as Deputy Chair.
  • The Board reviewed the SIA policy development process as used for the development of the draft SIA policy on Marine Parks and passed a resolution to send the draft Marine Park’s policy to members for consultation.
  • Strategy Session: The Board discussed in detail mitigation strategies for each of the risks listed on SIA’s risk register as drafted by the CEO. The risk register is being updated with these potential mitigation measures and process put in place to implement them.
  • The CEO provided update papers on the following issues (some but not all projects listed):
    • Current external market environment, stakeholder engagement, Federal Government activities and FRDC engagement.
    • Update on each of SIA’s key priorities: Resource Security of Access, Mental Health and safety, Social Licence, Aquaculture and Biosecurity, Country of Origin Labelling, Labour and Training, Market Access & Trade.
    • Aquaculture Advisory Committee update.
    • Mental Health Pilot program update.
    • ATMAC – market access and trade project – market diversification.
    • Projects pending approval – currently awaiting outcome for four applications.
    • Events – Great Australian Fish and Chips Awards 2021, Seafood Directions 2022/2024/2026, World Fisheries Congress (Sept 2021) and the World Aquaculture Conference 2023 (Darwin – May/June 2023).
    • SIA National Safety program – part funding has been received and SIA is progressing the project.
    • Media and communications comprehensive update.
  • Financial reports were received and discussed:
    • SIA can meet its debts as they fall due.
    • CEO provided a comprehensive report on SIA’s financial position.
    • Papers provided on Project revenue and expenditure, events and sponsorship.
  • Next Board meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2022.

The full Board then met with key state and national executives of National Australia Bank (new SIA Partner arrangement) after the Board meeting for 30 minutes. Rosie Love from SIA did an excellent job facilitating the meeting.

Click here for a copy of SIA’s submission to the AMSA ‘Exploring the safety benefits and feasibility of mandating lifejacket wear requirements for domestic commercial vessels’ review. A copy of the SIA Safety in Seafood program as referred to in the submission is available here. 

Click here for a copy of SIA’s submission to the Indian Ocean Territories marine park Proclamation Proposal.

Click here for a copy of SIA’s submission to the National Fisheries Plan. 

Please click here to access a recording of the SIA 2021 AGM and Members’ Forum.

Please click here to download a copy of the SIA 2020-2021 Annual Report. 

Board Meeting – 29 September, 2021

SIA held its Board meeting on the 29 September 2021 with one Director apology. As per our commitment, please find below a short summary of this Board meeting to better keep you informed on SIA’s activities.

  • Membership renewals are tracking on budget with six new or upgraded members. The board welcomes Mainstream Aquaculture, Yumbah Aquaculture, Fishing Families WA and the Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association.
  • The Board thanked two of its soon to be retiring Directors. Marshall Betzel and Belinda Wilson’s whose terms expire at the AGM. The skills, experience and energy they brought to the Board and their contribution to SIA have been enormous and appreciated.
  • Daniel Wall (Company Secretary) is also retiring after the AGM. The Board extended its thanks to Daniel and wished him well in all his future endeavours.
  • Director Bryan Skepper has kindly agreed to act as SIA’s company secretary. Bryan has considerable company secretary experience.
  • Resource Security Taskforce – the Board considered a recommendation from the Taskforce to accept Dr George Kailis proposal titled “Reinvigorating Rights Based Management in Australian Fisheries”. The board unanimously supported the resolution and the RST Taskforce will investigate the costs and funding of the initiative.
  • Strategy Session: The Board reviewed SIA’s risk register as drafted by the CEO. At the December Board meeting, it will discuss mitigation strategies for each of the risks identified.
  • Updates by the CEO on the following projects (some but not all projects listed):
    • Update on each of SIA’s key priorities: Resource Security of Access, Mental Health, Social Licence, Aquaculture and Biosecurity, Country of Origin Labelling, Safety, Labour and Training, Market Access & Trade.
    • Updated on status of export of Australian seafood.
    • Expressions of interest are being sought for representation on the Aquaculture Advisory Committee.
    • Discussion on SIA Federal Election Policy 2022.
    • Discussion on National Fisheries Plan feedback.
    • Fee for Service – Marketing and Communications – SIA is offering these specific skills as a fee for service and have been engaged on a number of projects.
    • Mental Health Pilot program – update.
    • ATMAC – funding has been secured and Growth Drivers and Jim Fitzgerald and Partners have been engaged with first stage due to be completed by late December 2021.
    • Events – 2022/2024/2026 Seafood Directions, World Fisheries Congress (Sept 2021) and the World Aquaculture Conference 2023 (Darwin – May/June 2023).
    • AMSA National Safety program – part funding has been received and SIA are progressing the project.
    • Media and communications comprehensive update.
  • Financial reports were received and discussed.
    • SIA can meet its debts as they fall due.
    • The Board congratulated the SIA team on raising circa $50,000 per year in sponsorship. This will assist SIA to remain financially viable and progress more initiatives.
  • Next Board meeting is scheduled for 2 December 2021.

Please click here to access a copy of the “Shine with Australia” creative deck.

Board Meeting – June 17, 2021

SIA held its Board meeting on the 17th June 2021 with all Board members attending. As per our commitment, please find below a short summary of this Board meeting to better keep you informed on SIA’s activities.

  • Board again noted concerns about SIA communications not getting to all “members of members” and encourage all Members to forward SIA communications to members of their company, association or organisation. We receive regular feedback that members of members were unaware of SIA’s programs and initiatives. Please assist us in improving these lines of communication.
  • Strategy Session: The Board reviewed SIA’s strategic pillar of “protect” and tasked the CEO to accelerate several activities in this area. The discussions included stakeholder engagement and issues with any difficult or competitive members, the specific interactions and remedies.
  • Seafood Directions 2022 – the Board confirmed its final venue selection as Brisbane for our industry’s most important conference.
  • The Board reviewed approved the 2022 Board and Committee Schedule.
  • The Board discussed the necessary transition measures for two of its soon to be retiring Directors. Marshall Betzel and Belinda Wilson’s terms will expire at the September AGM. The skills and experience they brought to the Board and contribution to SIA have been enormous and appreciated.
  • Updates by the CEO on the following projects (some but not all projects listed):
    • Sustainability Report – we welcome Visy and TradeWindow as new corporate partners of SIA.
    • Annual invoices have been issues along with SIA’s 2021 Year in Review. Please advise us if you have not received your invoice.
    • Updated on status of exports of Australian seafood.
    • Fee-for-service – Marketing and Communications – SIA is offering these specific skills as a fee-for-service and is currently working on a number of proposals.
    • Great Australian Seafood domestic consumption campaign – update.
    • ATMAC – market access grant application submitted and waiting on the outcome from the assessment committee.
    • Industry Risk Dashboard – working with FRDC, but still in its initial stage.
    • Resource Security Taskforce – next phase of the principles document issued to the Taskforce. SIA are seeking to resource this priority properly so that outcomes are timelier.
    • Events – 2022/2024/2026 Seafood Directions, World Fisheries Congress (September 2021) and the World Aquaculture Conference 2023 (Darwin – May/June 2023)
    • AMSA National Safety program – part-funding has been received and SIA is progressing the project.
    • Media and communications comprehensive update
  • The next Member’s Advisory Forums will be held on 24th June 2021 – invitations have been sent to all members so please notify us if you have not received the invitations. Please check your calendars.
  • Financial reports were received and discussed.
    • As recommended by the FARM committee, SIA Directors approved the FY 2021/2022 Budget.
    • FARM reviewed the Insurance renewals and resolved to proceed with insurance renewals as presented.
    • SIA can meet its debts as they fall due – due to Government incentives the company is in a profit position for FY 20/21.
  • Corporate Governance Committee meeting:
    • The CGC recommended adoption of a formal policy on guidelines relating to governing ex-officio appointments of SIA employees and Directors. The Board approved this policy.
  • The next board meeting will coincide with the AGM, to be held in September as part of the World Fisheries Congress 2021 in Adelaide. 

Click here for a copy of SIA’s final ATMAC submission proposal.

Click here for a copy of SIA’s final ATMAC submission budget.

Click here for a copy of SIA’s submission to the Targeted update of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of agricultural sector occupations.

Click here for a copy of SIA’s Year in Review 2020-21. 

Click here for a copy of SIA’s Australian Aquaculture Inquiry Submission to the House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources.

Board Meeting – March 25, 2021

SIA held its Board meeting on the 25th March 2021. As per our commitment, please find below a short summary of this Board meeting to better keep you informed on SIA’s activities.
  • The appointments register was reviewed to ensure that SIA’s appointments are in line with its strategy and objectives. All external appointments are now evaluated according to priority to ensure that SIA Members are receiving the maximum benefit from these commitments.
  • Board noted concerns about SIA communications not getting to all “members of members” and encourage all Members to forward SIA communications to members of their company or organisation.
  • Marshall Betzel was re-elected as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee and Mark Ryan re-elected as Chair of the FARM Committee. The Board appreciates their commitment to ensuring these committees are run effectively.
  • Federal Government and department relations – the CEO provided a detailed summary of her Canberra meetings in February. The CEO is planning to be in Canberra once a month to maintain a high profile and promote the seafood industry.
  • Strategy Session – Board is reviewing its strategy on an ongoing basis so will spend time at each meeting discussing one element of SIA’s strategy. This will allow SIA to keep its strategy current in our dynamic and ever-changing environment.
  • Updates by the CEO on the following projects (some but not all projects listed):
    • Update on status of export of Australian seafood
    • Great Australian Seafood domestic consumption campaign
    • ATMAC/ABEI – market access grant application process – whole of industry funding proposal – please advise if you have projects that want to be include
    • Industry Risk Dashboard – working with FRDC but still in its initial stage
    • Resource Security Taskforce
    • Events – 2022/2024/2026 Seafood Directions, World Fisheries Congress (Sept 2021) and the World Aquaculture Conference 2023 (Darwin)
    • Mental Health Pilot program – Stay Afloat
    • AMSA National Safety program – SIA Safety Roadshow
    • National Agricultural Workforce Strategy Report and Seafood industry submission
    • Establishment of the National Marketing Group and its first meeting
    • Investigation of HARPS (Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme) initiative
    • Media and communications comprehensive update
  • Member’s Advisory Forums will recommence in 2021 – invitations have been sent to all members so please notify us if you have not received the invitations. The next MAF is scheduled for 31st March 2021. Please check your calendars.
  • Financial reports were received and discussed
    • SIA Directors resolved to not increase membership fees for FY 21/22
    • SIA can meet its debts as they fall due – due to Government incentives the company is in a profit position for FY 20/21
    • Draft FY 21/22 Budget circulated
  • Corporate Governance Committee meeting:
    • Board endorsed the code of conduct for Director Nominees
    • Board endorsed the introduction of Confidentiality Agreements for persons closely associated with SIA Directors
  • Welcome to Rosie Love as SIA’s new Events and Business Manager.
  • Next Board meeting is scheduled for 17th June 2021.

Please click here to access a copy of the Great Australian Seafood “Easy As” campaign media plan. 

Please click here to access a summary presentation of “Dip 2”.

On March 24, Netflix launched “Seaspiracy“, which can only be described as thinly veiled vegan-propaganda. A play on the word “conspiracy”, the film is billed as a comprehensive expose on the seafood industry, covering everything from overfishing, by-catch and shark finning, to human trafficking. It is not.

After viewing the film, SIA has compiled a media statement which will be sent reactively to media enquiries, so we do not generate coverage on the film – a copy is available by clicking here.

We have prepared talking points on the film, which can be accessed by clicking here. Please remember to use SIA as a resource if a member of the media contacts you. We are happy to field any press calls or emails.

We have also sent a letter to Netflix expressing our disappointment and suggesting a reclassification of the film, a copy can be accessed by clicking here. SIA is a member of the Coalition of Global Seafood Communicators, many of whom have sent a similar letter to Netflix. The group has agreed on a united position regarding the film, and we are in regular contact regarding the film and media interest.

 
Our ongoing media strategy is to combat inaccuracies where we see them and this is no exception. We will continue to highlight Netflix’s lack of oversight when it comes to presentation of facts. However, we recognise the need to be careful not to provide additional promotion of the film.
 
In the meantime, we will continue to monitor this issue and any subsequent press the film receives. Please remember to use SIA as a resource if a member of the media contacts you. We are happy to field any press calls or emails. 

Click here for a copy of SIA’s Fisheries Quota System Submission to the Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport.

SIA members were invited to an exclusive, members-only webinar event, “An audience with Assistant Minister Jonno Duniam” on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 10-11am AEDT. 
 
 
During the webinar, Senator Jonno Duniam – Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, and Assistant Minister for Industry Development discussed the industry’s hot topics, including: 

Board Meeting – December 10, 2020

SIA held its Board and strategy meeting on the December 10, 2020. At this meeting, the Board resolved to provide members with a short summary of every Board meeting to better keep you informed on SIA’s activities.
  • SIA welcomed Clayton Nelson and Bryan Skepper as new Board members. Both have completed the onboarding Director packs.
  • Marshall Betzel was elected as Deputy Chair and Chauncey Hammond as Chair.  Moving forward, the election of these two positions will take place annually at the December Board meeting after onboarding of any new Directors.
  • The appointments register was reviewed to ensure that SIA’s appointments are in line with its strategy and objectives.
  • Please click here for a copy of the draft 2021 SIA Board and Committee schedule – this is subject to change. 
  • The Board understands that some of its Members are not distributing SIA’s correspondence/notices to their Board, staff and members. The Board encourages all SIA Members to distribute its correspondence fully to its Board, staff and members.
  • The Chair committed to institute ongoing dialogue with all state and territory peak body Chairs to facilitate communication and cooperation. Currently QSIA (QLD Peak Industry Body) has resigned as a member of SIA. SIA will seek to replace QSIA with another QLD industry association that can represent the states views nationally.
  • Updates by the CEO on the following projects (some but not all projects listed):
    • Seafood Trade Advisory Group (STAG) – update on status of export of Australian seafood
    • Great Australian Seafood domestic consumption campaign
    • Resource Security Taskforce
    • Mental Health Pilot program – Stay Afloat
    • AMSA National Safety Committee
    • NOPSEMA Policy Framework Consultation
    • Establishment of the National Marketing Group – EOI process
    • Asset write-off extension
    • Industry Issues Register
  • Members’ Advisory Forums will recommence in 2021 – invitations have been sent to all members so please notify us if you have not received the invitations.
  • Financial reports were received and discussed:
    • Membership reached budget and expenses are in line with the budget.
    • SIA can meet its debts as they fall due – due to Government incentives the company is in a profit position for FY 20/21. 
    • Discussion on SIA’s fee-for-service ability – CEO to prepare a proposal for the Board.
    • Cambridge Global Payments has signed up as a partner.
    • Discussion of structure for licencing of Great Australian Seafood logo and intellectual property.
  • Welcome to Sonia Freston as SIA’s new Administration Coordinator.
  • Next Board meeting is scheduled for March 25, 2021.
  • Post the board meeting, the Board held a strategy meeting for circa three hours. Dr Gary Saliba provided observations and suggestions to the Board on SIA’s current strategy document and external factors for consideration.

The SIA AGM Webinar is now available to watch by clicking here. Passcode: p0^2*a&+ .

A copy of the CEO Report is available here.

Please click here to download a copy of the

Notice of the AGM, which includes the following documents:

  • Notice of the AGM – details of the meeting, format, voting and members participation and questions
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Shareholder Voting Information – voting to be completed through electronic voting
  • Explanatory Notes for Resolutions
  • Annexure A – Director Candidate Profiles
  • Annexure B – Summary of Constitutional Changes
  • Annexure C – Proxy Form

Please click here to download a copy of SIA’s Annual Report 2019-2020.

Please click here to download a copy of the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) “GoodFish” Wild Capture Assessment Criteria Stakeholder Feedback – SIA Submission.

The Australian seafood industry takes very seriously media articles that are biased, ill-informed, one-sided and do not offer a right of reply to industry. SIA, QSIA and FRDC have responded to an article by The Courier Mail, based on a press release from the University of Queensland (UQ) under our Media Watch program. Click here to read our reply which has been sent to both the publication and the university. 

In addition, SIA has sent a formal letter to the Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan to raise concerns over Dr Klein’s ARC Fellowship funding. Click here to read the letter to Minister Tehan.

Click here for a copy of the final SIA ACCC Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry Submission

Click here for a copy of the final SIA CoOL Evaluation Survey submission.

Seafood Industry Australia has appealed to the government time and time again to make origin labelling mandatory for Australian seafood sold in the food service sector, just like it is in the retail sector. Now, there is the opportunity to make this happen as the Government begins an evaluation of the retail legislation which came into effect two years ago, but… we need your help to make it happen!

Click here to go directly to the CoOL evaluation survey

First and foremost, we need as many people as possible to take the online evaluation survey and express their support for labelling to be expanded to cover seafood sold in food service. So please, ask your friends, family, staff, next door neighbour to submit their support.

You can respond to the survey in one of two ways, either by uploading a submission, or by completing the online survey.

  • If you would like to upload a submission SIA has created a comprehensive template you can use, click here to download.
  • If you would like to respond to the online survey there is one important question related to seafood and food service, which is Question 4. We have included a suggested reply below which you can copy and paste. You’re welcome to add more information and your personal views on the topic.
 

Suggested reply:
No, the current scope of mandatory CoOL is inappropriate for the food service industry and it should not be maintained. As a consumer and a member of the Australian seafood industry I would like the CoOL legislation expanded to include mandatory CoOL for Australian seafood sold in the food service sector. It’s been demonstrated that the current voluntary labelling system does not work. The expansion is wanted by consumers and producers alike, and we strongly urge the government to take action. Food service should have never been exempt from the original labelling requirements and we hope this loophole will finally close. With the majority of Australian seafood sold and consumed in the food service sector this expansion is crucial to safeguard our industry. Consumers want to support Australian seafood producers, but they cannot buy Australian seafood if they can’t tell where it’s from.

Share the message on social media

SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS – please copy and use

  • Do you want to know where the seafood in your fish and chips, burger or curry comes from? Now’s the chance, find out how to #MakeFoodserviceCoOL at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL
  • Support Australia’s seafood producers and #MakeFoodserviceCoOL find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL
  • Want to support Australian fishers but don’t know where to start? Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL #MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • Australia’s seafood industry needs your help! Support the expansion of Country of Origin Labelling to seafood sold in food service, and help safeguard the future of industry. Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL #MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • Support the expansion of Country of Origin Labelling to Australian seafood sold in food service. Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL #MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • Expand Country of Origin Labelling to Australian seafood sold in food service. Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL #MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • I’ve committed to supporting Australia’s seafood producers. Share if you’re in! #MakeFoodServiceCoOL  Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • Want to buy Australian seafood, and support Australian jobs? First, you need to be able to find it #MakeFoodServiceCoOL . Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • #MakeFoodServiceCoOL  and safeguard the future of the Australian seafood industry. Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • Show your support for the Australian seafood industry by supporting the #MakeFoodServiceCoOL campaign and labelling Australian seafood sold in food service. Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • Join me and support the clear labelling of Australian seafood in food service #MakeFoodServiceCoOL. Can I count you in? Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • More than 86,000 consumers have signed petitions asking for it, and two Senate inquiries have called for it. Now, for a fourth and hopefully last time, we need as many people as possible to support a Country of Origin Labelling expansion to cover seafood sold in food service #MakeFoodServiceCoOL . Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL 
  • CoOL provides clear information on where food has come from and allows consumers to make informed purchases. Find out more at bit.ly/MakeFoodServiceCoOL #MakeFoodServiceCoOL

SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGES – please save and use

Share the message on social media

SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS – please copy and use

  • Australia’s seafood industry needs your help! Join the #EatSeafoodAustralia movement and buy Aussie seafood to help save Aussie jobs.
  • I’ve committed to buy and eat Australian seafood to support our nation’s seafood businesses. Share if you’re in! #EatSeafoodAustralia
  • Join me in buying and eating Australian seafood to help support our seafood industry! #EatSeafoodAustralia
  • Seafood is packed full of omega-3s which reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and can even help reduce stress and anxiety — things we all need right now! #EatSeafoodAustralia
  • Although the coronavirus has changed our day-to-day lives, it doesn’t need to change the way we eat. So, buy Australian seafood, and support Australian jobs. #EatSeafoodAustralia
  • #EatSeafoodAustralia to help save Aussie jobs.
  • Show your support for the Australian seafood industry by joining the #EatSeafoodAustralia campaign and buying Australian seafood.
  • Join me in buying and eating Australian seafood and sharing it to your social channels, tagged with #EatSeafoodAustralia! Can I count you in?

SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGES – please save and use

Under construction. 

Under construction.

A snapshot of trade-related Federal Government support and advice available to help your business take advantage of free trade agreements (FTAs). While the resources listed here are not new, we thought this might be a helpful reference for members to have on-hand.

Working in the maritime industry you should be familiar with the work health and safety (WHS) laws of the state or territory that you are working in.

Some work activities on board your vessel may need to comply with the various WHS laws and codes of practice.

Meeting AMSA’s requirements does not automatically mean that your operation is compliant with WHS laws, and vice versa. 

Your local WHS regulator can be contacted for further information about the requirements of the WHS laws on your vessel. 

Read more about WHS laws.

WHS regulators

You can explore a selection of grant opportunities which may be applicable here: 

If you need assistance to manage a media crisis please contact SIA’s Media and Communications Manager Jessica McInerney via [email protected] or 0420 695 431.

Please click here to download a copy of SIA’s Annual Report – 2019.

Please click here to download the SIA Political Lobbying Handbook – 2019 Federal Election.

SIA created the lobbying handbook to help our members to speak to Federal politicians, their staff and candidates about issues of importance to the Australian seafood industry, at the time of the election. 

  • As part of SIA’s 2019 Federal Election package we successfully lobbied the Federal Government to provide funding for an industry-specific mental health pilot program, as provided many other sectors including land-based farmers, mining and construction industries. 

  • The program will be piloted in three industry identified focus communities – Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Newcastle, New South Wales and Darwin, Northern Territory – and has been designed to help break the stigma associated with poor mental health, and to connect industry with existing services and supports. 

  • In its pilot phase, the program focuses on training trusted industry members as mental health advocates, engaging industry to discuss and understand mental health, and educating primary healthcare networks about the unique pressures and stresses facing the commercial fishing industry. 

  • The program has a three-phased approach:

    1. Three trusted advocates will be identified to receive mental health first aid training and resources to act as mental health support coordinators on the ground. These advocates will be engaged to discuss mental health and the unique challenges facing commercial fishers with industry, primary healthcare networks and community leaders.
    2. Mental health first aid training for national industry leaders.
    3. A series of Community Resilience Grants will be available to provide funding for industry events to be held where mental health information is available, or a speaker talks about their lived experience.
  • According to research*, Australia’s commercial fishers are suffering from twice the level of psychological stress than the general population.
    • Dr Tanya King, Maritime Anthropologist, Deakin University studied the high rate of mental health problems among Australia’s fishers and found chronic job insecurity has led to high rates of suicide among fishers.
    • Dr King’s research showed levels of “high” and “very high” psychological distress among fishers, which are almost double those reported by the general public.
    • Industry workers feel their work is “culturally undervalued” or misunderstood. With almost a third of industry dissuaded from addressing their physical and mental health problems because they feel their GP doesn’t understand the pressures of the fishing industry.
    • Significant contributing factors to these mental health problems are ongoing attacks against the industry’s well-managed fisheries and the continued threat to resource access.
  • Like land-based farmers, fishers are a proud and stoic bunch who can struggle to admit when they may need to reach out for help. As an industry we need people who are trained to look out for warning signs and know how to approach a conversation with someone regarding their mental health.

*Research led by Dr Tanya King, Maritime Anthropologist, Deakin University.

For more information on SIA’s mental health pilot program please contact Program Manager Jo Marshall via [email protected] or 0408 008 344.

Float-free EPIRBs mandatory from January 2021
Following industry consultation, AMSA has announced that from January 1, 2021, float-free emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) will be mandatory on certain types of commercial vessel. Click here for more information.

Rural Financial Counselling Service
Did you know that the RFCS is available to help fishers and their partners anywhere in Australia to assess their business needs, maintain strong relationships with the bank, referrals to other help and work through business options? And it comes at no cost to eligible clients. You can follow the link or call 1800 686 175 or click here for more information.

R U OK? Ambassadors commit to seafood industry
As part of ongoing discussions with R U OK?, we have secured their commitment to work with our industry. R U OK? will provide speakers at our industry events with the aim of focusing on how to ask R U OK? as well as signs to look out for and where to find resources to help you or a mate. If you have an event coming up that would benefit from an R U OK? speaker please get in touch with Jessica to organise.

Please click here to access the SIA constitution. 

Please click here to access the SIA register of members, current as of October 1, 2020.

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