The Fisheries Management Amendment Bill was passed last night, with amendments from Greens MP Ian Cohen helping to establish a stronger framework to protect and uphold Aboriginal cultural fishing rights in NSW.
“With encouragement from the Greens, the Government listened to aboriginal stakeholders and communities and we have a better outcome for NSW aboriginal people. The passing of the Bill represents a welcome change of tune by this Government, allowing aboriginal people more opportunity to uphold traditional rights,” says Mr Cohen.
“The ‘Closing the Gap’ and the ‘Two Ways Together’ programs cannot just be a collection of words – action is required. I believe this Bill will go some way to addressing the entrenched disadvantage that indigenous people experience. The Greens are happy to have made substantial contributions to legislation that will contribute to closing the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage.”
“This summer aboriginal communities will be able to exercise their traditional rights without being prosecuted for fisheries offences and will be exempt from paying recreational fishing fees.”
“The Greens were successful in moving an amendment to ensure the new Aboriginal Advisory Council have a central role in defining and establishing provisions relating to cultural fishing rights. This will ensure aboriginal people retain control over their rights in oceans and rivers.”
“In addition to recognising aboriginal cultural fishing rights, the Greens sought to provide new economic development opportunities for aboriginal communities through establishing allocations in commercial fisheries. While the Government did not support this initiative, the Greens have obtained a commitment from Minister Kelly to reform the reallocation of forfeited shares in commercial fisheries for the benefit of aboriginal communities.”
