Chapter One - Introduction

Background

1.1        The Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill 2007 (the Legislation bill) and the Fisheries Levy Amendment Bill 2007 (the Levy bill) were introduced into the House of Representatives on 23 May 2007. The bills were introduced into the Senate on 13 June 2007. On the same day, the Selection of Bills Committee referred the provisions of the bills to the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport (the committee) for inquiry and report by 18 June 2007. [1]

1.2        The Selection of Bills Committee noted, as the reason for referral:

On the basis of consultation with Fisheries stakeholders – principally Torres Strait representatives – to ensure their concerns have been effectively addressed by the proposed legislation.[2]

Conduct of the inquiry

1.3        Given the short reporting deadline, the committee did not formally advertise the inquiry or write to stakeholders seeking submissions. The committee did, however, contact the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), as the principal stakeholder group and the details of the inquiry were placed on the Committee's website at https://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/rrat_ctte/index.htm. The committee received a copy of correspondence confirming that the Chair of the TSRA had no issues to raise in relation to these bills.

1.4        The Committee held one hearing in Canberra on 15 June 2007 at which officers of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) gave evidence. Witnesses are listed in Appendix 1.

1.5        The Hansard transcript of the Committee's hearing will be tabled when it is available. A transcript of the Committee's hearing will also available on the Parliament's internet website at www.aph.gov.au.

1.6        The Committee thanks those who participated in this inquiry.

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