Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA has called for the Transport Minister to intervene, following the Department’s decision to deny the WA Fishing Industry Council’s request to waive pen fees for commercial vessels following the demersal ban.
“Commercial fishers had their businesses impacted with less than a month to get their lives in order, yet nearly seven months on they are paying pen fees for boats they can’t use,” she said.
“We continue to see the unintended consequences of the fishing ban, but the Cook Labor Government chooses not to provide support and continues to leave fishers hamstrung.”
According to WAFIC, pen fees won’t be waived but payment plans would be considered.
Ms Warr said payment plans provided little relief for those doing it tough.
“There are some fishers who can no longer pay their mortgages, let alone continue to pay pen fees for boats they can’t utilise,” she said.
“Fishers have always felt the compensation for their commercial licences did not reflect what they believed to be owed, but the State Government did not listen.
“Their refusal to waive boat pen fees shows the arrogance of this government who refuses to consult with the sector before making decisions.”
