Newly minted Primary Industries Minister Jo Palmer has confirmed she is pushing ahead with major changes to the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishery without carrying out necessary and crucial research.
Ms Palmer is proposing a change which will extend the area where the maximum number of 60 pots can be used to include the North East and the North West - a decision which will have a devastating impact on fishers, their families and their communities.
But in Estimates Hearings, Ms Palmer has admitted no research into the social and economic fallout has been undertaken and the decision is entirely in her hands.
She should either abandon the plan or, at the very, least do the homework that needs to be done so she can have a true picture of its damaging impact.
If Ms Palmer proceeds with the plan to change the 60 pot rule without consideration of fishers, farmers and their communities, it's clear this proposed change is purely political.
It was confirmed in Estimates there is no current socio-economic research or data to inform this damaging rule change and the Minister in making the decision, could seek that information from IMAS.
The Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishery makes a major contribution to the Tasmanian economy, with many of these fishers small business operators.
The government's move to change the rules in the fishery will be detrimental to smaller operators, forcing them off the water, as well as impacting local businesses who rely on the income generated by these fishers.
Ms Palmer needs to clarify today when she intends to seek this important research.
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries
