Queensland's fishing industry is facing a potential collapse as soaring fuel costs push operators to the brink. Fishermen warn that without government intervention, the local seafood market may disappear by the end of the year.
Adrian Jackson, representing the Lakes Entrance Fishermen's Co-op, says the industry has reached a tipping point. He predicts that within 12 months, most Australians will be eating imported fish as local boats become inactive.
Despite diesel prices nearing two dollars per litre, the federal fuel tax rebate for primary producers has remained at 38 cents per litre since the 1970s. Meanwhile, wholesale fish prices have barely changed in 20 years.
Fisheries Minister Tony Burke blames not only rising fuel costs but also the former Coalition government's poorly administered license buyback scheme. He says the combination has put fishermen in a dreadful situation.
Opposition fisheries spokesman Nigel Scullion is calling for the reinstatement of the buyback scheme to allow older fishermen to exit the industry with dignity and prevent overharvesting of diminishing fish stocks.
