NEWS July 2019 Chairman’s Report we have. In recognition of this Grant - round one funding positive step forward, the NLC was successful. Full Council granted a further 18 month extension to waive As a result we have the need to have a permit commenced work to progress to access intertidal waters our priorities under our adjacent to Aboriginal Land. Strategic Plan through the project, which will develop a This is the biggest step sustainability strategy. forward that we have had for some time now and I would I am really pleased to report like to thank Anthony Ciconte, that we are also advertising our Vice Chair for playing an for a new position at the integral role representing the Seafood Northern Territory Seafood Council! The position is for Once again the negotiations Council in the negotiations. an Executive Officer to work for intertidal access have alongside and with Katherine been at the forefront of board Recently the Northern and Donna. discussions and the focus of Territory Seafood Council the Northern Territory Seafood received concerns about my This has been a long time Council. role as Chair of the Aquarium coming, the role is essential Committee given the current to roll out both improvements I am pleased to say that and future management to the Northern Territory we are making progress changes happening to the NT Seafood Council and deliver here, the Northern Territory Aquarium fishery. on our strategic plan. Seafood Council has been involved in the latest round of In line with the Northern During their first year the negotiations that has resulted Territory Seafood Council’s successful person will in a Heads of Agreement strategic goal of building and have a focus on delivering document that has been maintaining trust through and implementing the signed by the Northern Land transparency and unity I sustainability project. Council, Northern Territory decided to step down from Government, Amateur Fishers the role. This project will be an of the Northern Territory, excellent opportunity for the NT Guided Fishing Industry An election was held to team member to quickly be Association and ourselves. identify a new Chair and I am across the issues, challenges pleased to advise that NTSC and opportunities the NT The Heads of Agreement member, Mr Jamie Beard seafood industry faces. document is in line with was appointed as Chair Northern Territory Seafood Aquarium Committee and I would like to express my Council policies and whilst also the nominated person gratitude to all who attended not legally binding, sets to represent the Aquarium our Crisis Communication the pathway forward for all Committee on the Northern event in May this year. And parties. Territory Seafood Council I especially thank David Board. Carter, Helen Jenkins and It importantly, in its our MC Catie Kirke for taking development, aided all the I am delighted the Northern the stage and sharing their groups to identify to recognise Territory Seafood Council’s experiences. how much common ground bid for the Our Marine Park

Newsletter of the Northern Territory Seafood Council www.ntsc.com.au Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Frances Bay, Darwin GPO Box 618 Darwin NT 0801 | Telephone 08 8981 5194 Facsimile 08 8981 5063 | Email [email protected] ABN 85 918 271 276 22 The event was a great success Quick Read and created a forum where ideas are shared, trust is built Board Communique We are hiring - An EO and the seafood industry is The NTSC Board meets quarterly Based in the heart of the NT on the leading edge of the and the May communique can seafood industry at the Northern discussions. be read on page 5. Territory Seafood Council offices, in Fishermen’s Wharf, Daniel Kimberley, Reef fish protection areas - Darwin - this exciting new role NT Seafood Council no go zone will help us drive change. Learn Chairman It is up to each commercial more on page 10. operation to ensure that the vessels skipper is aware of Board Agenda protected areas whilst out on Have a suggestion for agenda the water. Read more page 8. items for the Board? Send your ideas through to admin@ntsc. Action plan during a Tropical com.au Cyclone event Not knowing where Blue Mud Bay region professional fishers are, or looking for collaboration their emergency plans, further The aim of the forum was complicates the difficult task to share information about and timeliness for post event a range of industries to aid well-being checks. Read more in identification of suitable on page 12. economic development on country. Read more on page 7. Listening to our Stakeholders It is vital that NTSC understands 2019 Membership Surey how it is performing from a A key question each year is stakeholder perspective as well what are the top three business as learning from stakeholders challenges and this year we saw what they believe to be the key an increase again in ‘access’ risks facing the NT seafood issues being the top answer. industry. Learn more on page 4. Learn more on page 8.

Communication is the key Prefer a hardcopy of the FISH It was clear from both speakers publication? that despite preparation and The Fisheries Research and support, crisis events have an Development Corporation impact beyond the crisis. Read (FRDC) FISH magazine is more on page 6. available online, on iPad app, and on Android app. For more NTSC Members Centre details, visit: //www.frdc.com. Members can manage contact au/Media-Publications/FISH details, select information interests and access If you do not have internet member only information, by access please fill free to contact visiting www.ntsc.com.au/ the NT Seafood Council on 8981 membercentre 5194 and we will happily assist you in subscribing directly with FRDC.

Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) Cover Photo: Nightcliff Jetty, Darwin in 2018. Photo by Donna English.

3 Listening to our All Parties Working Together Stakeholders The Northern Land Council’s Full Council meeting in late In 2018 the Northern Territory Seafood June this year enabled the signing of a historic Heads of Council (NTSC) conducted its first Agreement to resolve ongoing issues with the Blue Mud annual Stakeholder survey to seek Bay High Court decision. feedback on value and performance. A result of the past five years of work in which the It is vital that NTSC understands how Northern Land Council’s Sea Country Working Group, it is performing from a stakeholder Northern Territory Government, the Amateur Fishermen’s perspective as well as learning from Association of the NT, the NT Guided Fishing Industry stakeholders what they believe to be Association and the Northern Territory Seafood Council the key risks facing the NT seafood had been working together to progress a way forward. industry. ‘This is an historic event, it’s been a long time coming from Similar to that of the concerns raised by the High Court decision on Blue Mud Bay,’ NLC deputy members from our 2018 Membership chairman John Christopherson told the meeting. Survey, stakeholders reported ‘access’ to be the top emerging risk ‘We are very happy to move forward with the Northern for industry. Land Council in the spirit of cooperation through a Heads of Agreement with all parties,’ said Northern Territory The 2018 survey was distributed to Seafood Council CEO, Mrs Katherine Winchester. almost 300 stakeholders and was open for a three week period between ‘It is critical the ongoing uncertainty is brought to an end 5 February 2019 and 26 February and we work collaboratively to create a solution that 2019. delivers more for the Territory,’ Ms Winchester went on to say. 82% of respondents agreed that the promotion and awareness work being The agreement was signed by all parties at Nituikluk (near undertaken by the NTSC is increasing Katherine, NT) and to support progressing the agreement, community awareness and reducing the NLC Full Council also supported an extension to allow negative perceptions. And 91% of fishing access for a further 18 months to intertidal waters. respondents agreed that the NTSC is This waiver of the need for a permit, will be reviewed at seen as credible organisation. each NLC Full Council meeting (every 6 months) to ensure that matters are progressing in the spirit of cooperation The survey will be undertaken annual and in line with the Heads of Agreement. to aid evaluation of the NTSC against the NTSC Strategic Plan 2018-2023. This includes reporting on twelve Key Performance Indicators that will be used to represent a snapshot of our progress.

The 2018 Stakeholder Survey report can be view by visiting www.ntsc. com.au/content/feedback

4 Communique May 2019

The Board of Northern Territory Seafood Council how we as an organisation deal with conflict and Incorporated met on 23 May 2019 at Northern also behaviours are important. Territory Seafood Council offices, Darwin. Given the importance of both these matters, we This communique has been provided as will look to progress them at our next meeting. a summary for members of the key items Having a conflict resolution process that provides discussed. Apologies were received from transparency and consistency is important. The Chauncey Hammond, Horst Fischer and Tony Board recognised, we must have processes in Thiel. David Baumber was noted as absent. place as well as continually encourage members to put forward their concerns so the NTSC can appropriately address and deal with any issues. Improve structures for an Whispers and rumours about conflicts of interests effective Northern Territory or disputes harms not only the reputation of our Seafood Council organisation it reflects poorly on our industry The Board reviewed and approved the budget overall. for 2019/20 noting the next financial year will be a critical one to progress work on the constitution A refreshed approach to BMB discussions has and revenue base to set the organisation up for generated some pleasing dynamics which has the future. In the past 12 months these priorities seen all parties come together outside of the areas have had to take a back seat to a number formal BMB negotiation meetings. The Board of urgent matters. In fact, the Board noted the acknowledged and thanked Vice Chairman, Mr high amount of Board time being spent by to Anthony Ciconte for participating in meetings address and discuss matters relating to the Blue with our CEO in my absence. Mud Bay negotiations.

Ensuring NTSC has the right structures, Demonstrate sustainability systems, people and processes in place cannot The Board are pleased that NTSC has secured afford to be delayed any further. With only funding under the Marine Parks Round One increasing demands being placed on NTSC the Grant scheme for a project titled Sustainability Board reiterated the importance of re-prioritising Strategy: Building capacity and resilence for the workloads. Northern Territory seafood industry. The project will greatly aid continuation of priority areas We noted the key communications in which under the Demonstrate Sustainability pillar in NTSC has provided advice and/or guidance our Strategic Plan 2018-23, including work to to key stakeholders on areas including but not better understand the value chain and increase limited to Land Claims, Infrastructure needs, sustainability, consistency and quality of NT policies and Blue Mud Bay negotiations. fisheries.

Build trust in our industry by The next Board meeting will be held in 21 August our members, community and 2019. Member’s suggestions for Board agenda government items are encouraged to be forwarded to NTSC I challenged all Board members to assess their Secretary Mr Dan Richards via email to own performance, particularly given there are [email protected] differences of opinions between both fishery and individual Board members about NT Fisheries Daniel Kimberley proposed changes. The Board agrees that we Chairman need processes and a consistent approach to

Image: Duck Pond @ Darwin 2018 by Donna English

55 Communication is the key

The Northern Territory Seafood Council was delighted to host an extremely real and raw one hour ‘on the couch’ crisis communication discussion in May this year with extraordinary speakers.

Leading this discussion with thoughtful and challenging questions was Ms Catie Kirke, a passionate presenter, dynamic trainer and one of ’s leading coaches. Ms Kirke’s research and preparation for the event saw her gently and skillfully draw out information and lessons from our two guest speakers Mr David Carter, CEO Austral Fisheries and Ms Helen Jenkins, Aquatic Biosecurity Liaison Officer, Northern Australia, Animal Health Australia.

Mr Carter shared the journey that he and Austral Fisheries found themselves on since the tragic death of Ryan Donoghue, a beloved fisherman aboard an Austral Fisheries prawn trawler, Newfish 1, on 29 November 2013.

Ms Jenkins, shared her experience when she was CEO of the Australian Prawn Farmers Association when the White Spot outbreak that hit and wiped out six prawn farms in Queensland. Above: (L to R) ‘On the Coach’ is Catie Kirke, David Carter and Helen Jenkins

There was hardly a dry eye in the audience that evening, as Mr Carter courageously shared his experience through the moment that forever changed his life and the impacts it still has today.

It was clear from both speakers that despite preparation and support, crisis events have an impact beyond the crisis.

Sharing the lessons and experiences in such a raw format was a real gift for the audience, which included a range of people with an association with the seafood industry. It prompted discussions after the event about awareness of our impacts on others and appreciating that regardless of the level of support, crisis events take a toll on the individual.

The Northern Territory Seafood Council would like to thank David Carter and Helen Jenkins for sharing their experiences and lessons with the audience. We are also exceptionally grateful to Catie Kirke for the incredible manner which she navigated us through raw and emotional conversations. Thank you to our members and stakeholder for taking the time from their busy schedules to join in the conversation.

This event was proudly sponsored by Austral Fisheries.

66 Blue Mud Bay region looking for 11 Years since High collaboration Court decision

A diverse group of people came together to participate in On 30 July 2008 Australia’s High a two day Business Development Forum held in Baniyala Court decided that Traditional in June to aid identification of ‘on country’ business Aboriginal owners had the right to opportunities in Blue Mud Bay, East Arnhem, Northern exclude fishermen and others from Territory. tidal waters within Blue Mud Bay, in north-east Arnhem Land. Participants included Traditional Owners, neighbouring homelands, Baniyala Garrangali Aboriginal Corporation, Although the court’s decision related and a diverse range of participants from both Australian to Blue Mud Bay, about 550 kms and NT government agencies and industry representatives. east of Darwin, the decision affected approximately 86% of the Northern The aim of the forum was to share information about Territory’s coastline. a range of industries to aid in identification of suitable economic development on country. The High Court made the declaration that the Fisheries Act did not confer Under the shade of trees participants took turn to speak, on the Director of Fisheries a power including the Northern Territory Seafood Council’s CEO, to grant a licence under that Act Katherine Winchester who provided a general overview which would, without more, authorise of the NT seafood industry. Tasmanian Seafoods, Luke or permit the holder to enter and take Turner also spoke to the group about the Trepang fishery fish or aquatic life from areas within and sea ranching activities. the boundary lines of the mainland grant and the islands grant. The main focus was to engage directly with Traditional Owners, promoting connectivity, networking, ideas, first steps, opportunities, barriers, and ideas on a way forward.

During the forum, the Djalkiripuyŋu Enterprise Enhancement Project (DEEP) was introduced. The project, being undertaken in partnership with the CSIRO will run from 2019-2021 to improve enterprise development, regional planning and investment opportunities in the region.

The objective of DEEP is to drive economic development across Blue Mud Bay by supporting Djalkiripuyŋu leaders to investigate and build coastal enterprises and to establish a ‘Djalkiripuyŋu Executive’ - an entity designed to formalise integrated inter-homeland customary decision making in the area.

The forum was a great opportunity to start building better relationships and understanding, as well as a conversation about the seafood industry’s future in the region.

7 Reef fish protection 2018 Membership Survey areas - no go zone The data has been crunched on the 2018 Northern In June this year Northern Territory Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) membership survey and Seafood Council was disappointed to ‘securing access’ remains the key priority. hear an Offshore Net and Line vessel was undertaking fishing in one of the In fact 67% of members who participated in the 2018 five reef protected areas, a no go Membership Survey rated ‘securing access to NT fishing zone for the Offshore Net and Line grounds’ as the highest priority activity. An emerging priority fishery. issue that moved from 8th position to 4th position was ‘increase understanding of supply chain and investment It is important to be across and up to points to improve seafood quality and supply’. date on fishing zones, in particular where you can and cannot operate. A key question each year is what are the top three business challenges and this year we saw an increase It is up to each commercial operation again in ‘access’ issues being the top answer. The second to ensure that the vessels skipper is highest area causing business challenges was reported as aware of protected areas whilst out ‘fisheries management/legislation’ issues. The third most on the water, these ‘no go areas’ common listed business challenge was ‘financial’ issues. are recommended be installed to commercial vessel charts or navigation systems.

The five closed areas include Bathurst Island, Melville Island, Charles Point Wide, Lorna Shoal and Moyle and Port Keats.

These reef protection closures are to aid in the recovery of Black Jewfish and Golden Snapper stocks which were applied to recreational, fishing tour guides and commercial operators (coastal line, coastal net and offshore net and line fishery) which have been in place since 2015.

These reef fish protection areas are Membership satisfaction reporting saw a decrease in temporary and intended to be in dissatisfied members with the ‘extremely dissatisfied’ place until at least 2020. membership at 7% (a decrease from 13% in 2016). This is a continued encouraging shift and confirms the importance Take the time to check your vessel of NTSC to be recognised by its members to be working has access to up to date information harder and smarter to deliver member value. about both reef protection areas, commonwealth marine park zones The survey results highlighted an opportunity to improve and Sacred Site exclusion areas. understanding of key regulatory areas outside of fisheries management that impact on fishing such as Marine Parks, Visit NT Fisheries for further Safety, Sacred Sites and Native Title. information on reef protection areas https://nt.gov.au/marine/ Direct feedback from NTSC members is encouraged as recreational-fishing/when-and- it improves transparency, relevance and value for the NT where-to-fish/reef-fish-protection- professional fishing industry. To read the full results, visit areas our website www.ntsc.com.au/content/feedback

8

99 Building capability and resilience for the Northern Territory seafood industry

The Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) is delighted to announce that we have secured funding to help us ensure the sustainable future of the seafood industry in NT.

The project is titled Sustainability Strategy: Building capability and resilience for the Northern Territory seafood industry received grant funding from the Australian We are seeking an Executive Officer to Government. A key output will be the development of a fill a new position starting immediately. NTSC Sustainability Strategy.

Based in the heart of the NT The Sustainability Strategy will be developed by the NTSC seafood industry at the Northern with member and stakeholder valuable input to guide, direct Territory Seafood Council offices, and inform the Strategy. Importantly, in developing the in Fishermen’s Wharf, Darwin - this Strategy, the project will be compiling information across exciting new role will help us drive all wild caught fisheries and the aquaculture industry. This change for both the organisation and includes supply chains, training needs and everything that ensure the sustainable future of the impacts on the industry. seafood industry in the NT. We will work with members and stakeholders to understand The new role will: in detail the drivers and barriers of a unified approach • assist in delivering on the to matters such as data collection and innovation, and Northern Territory Seafood challenges associated with bycatch and interactions with Council’s vision for the industry protected species. And we will develop a strategic approach to be a trusted, stable and to fishing practices to ensure viability. prosperous industry which is continually earning its This project will help us demonstrate how this industry is social licence to operate; delivering sustainable practices that are consistent with the • provide assistance to the values of the North Marine Parks Network. This will ensure organisation and its members to our industry builds on the community’s trust in us to secure deliver upon the Strategic Plan; sufficient fish stocks into the future, as well as protect our and pristine environment. • build new financial revenue models, improve efficiencies and Community trust in our industry is critical to a sustainable develop a sustainability strategy. future, and a demonstrable and open focus in genuinely Closes: 6 August 2019 addressing challenges will help in developing community Read the full job description by visiting understanding. www.ntsc.com.au

10 NT seafood in the paddocks of Celebrating rural Darwin Australian seafood Industry In May this year, at the increasingly popular Freds Pass Show’s ‘Paddock to Plate Pavilion’ show-goers were treated Every two years Seafood Directions to demonstrations from a range of local chefs and cooks. brings together hundreds of people working in the seafood industry from The ‘Paddock to Plate Pavilion’ featured local chefs, across the country to champion Rachael Ciesiolka and Jimmy Shu, along with MKR’s Betty Australian seafood. Banks, who each demonstrated to curious show-goers the tips and tricks to prepare simple, and delicious NT seafood. This year’s event is hosted by Seafood Industry Victoria (SIV), October 9-11, The first delicacy show-goers Watched, were NT pickled in Melbourne, and will be first time the Sardines. Rachael Ciesiolka’s demonstration resulted in an event opens its doors to the broader overwhelming response, as people in the audience were public. The event will attract primary not aware that Sardines were either harvested or available producers, transporters, retailers, as whole or fillets here in NT. Their taste buds were blown educators, policy makers, fish and away when provided with the chance to sample the finished chip shop owners, restaurateurs dish of, territory Sardines with eggs, salad and avocado. and chefs who work together to put Australian seafood on our plates. Nina Spinella, from Austop Fisheries, shared with the audience her story as a professional fisher. Nina stunned ‘A Celebration of Australian Seafood’, listeners when explaining how they fillet the small Sardines. is Seafood Direction 2019’s theme. Her family’s recipe for pickled Sardines was generously Which aims to capture the spirit shared with the audience. It was fantastic to hear Nina’s in which will build upon our robust passion for the seafood industry and the work that she and industry to welcome in a broader her husband Biagio have been undertaking in the NT for community of Australian seafood decades. ambassadors

A NT Mud Crab masterclass was presented by Jimmy Shu, The organiser’s vision for Seafood which was not surprisingly a crowd favourite and saw the Directions in 2019 is to create a pavilion jammed packed with eager taste testers. unified community that values and celebrates Australian seafood. Prawn spring rolls, created by Rachael Ciesiolka, showed the audience how easy they were to make and were a hit A key part of the event is the National with the younger audience members. Later in the afternoon Seafood Industry Awards, which will people gathered to see Betty Banks whip up the local be held over a casual lunch on Humpty Doo Barramundi and Asian greens. Thursday 10 October. For ticketing and to view the program visit https:// Over the course of two days the crowds were amazed and www.sd2019.com.au/ were treated to some great tasty NT seafood.

Above: Nina Spinella and Rachael Ciesiolka showcasing Territory seafood 1111 Action plan during a event

When Cyclone Marcus hit the Gulf of Carpentaria this year, there were fears for professional mud crabbers who were suspected to be in the area but contact unable to be made with them before the Cyclone hit land. It raised concerns about the ability to communicate with professional fishers prior to destructive weather events.

Not knowing where professional fishers are, or their emergency plans, further complicates the difficult task and timeliness for post event well-being checks.

The introduction of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) assisted the Water Police to identify vessels still in affected in the region and those who had or were leaving the region. Prior to Cyclone Marcus reaching the region, the Water Police maintained a close watch on Vessel Monitoring Systems, made direct phone contact with fishers and key points in the supply chain in an attempt to account for every professional fisher known to be or thought to be in the Gulf.

The key reason for touching base prior to the event is to confirm people are aware of the situation, it is also an opportunity to understand what the fisher’s emergency plan is.

Speaking with the Water Police they summarised the key four points they are looking for:

1. awareness – to confirm fishers are aware of the weather event; 2. plan – to confirm what the fishers plan is i.e. they are leaving the area, or staying put; 3. communications – after the event communications go down, so updating your satellite phone number with NT Fisheries is critical; and 4. check in – in the aftermath Water Police want people to check in with them, so we know they are okay.

Water Police welcome the sharing of professional fishers emergency plan’s to assist them in eliminating unnecessary worry, search and rescue efforts and preventing difficulties in finding the right location of your vessel (if something was to go wrong). Knowing emergency plans assists in ensuring search efforts are in the right area.

They also welcome and request if prior to the event you have not been able to make contact with, vessel or crew members and you believe they maybe in the affected tropical cyclone area, this information should be sent to the Water Police.

After the weather event has passed, Water Police welcome calls from fishers to let them know the vessel and crew are safe.

Above: NT professional crabbers camp after Tropical Cyclone Trevor hits landfall between Borroloola and Groote Eylandt 12 2019 NT Seafood Industry Awards

On the evening of 21 August 2019, the 2019 NT Seafood Industry Awards will embrace the Territory characteristic tropical atmosphere in a cocktail style event at The Char Restaurant, Darwin.

It only happens every two years, and importantly sees the gathering of the NT industry along with key stakeholders in a social atmosphere, catching up and celebrating together the Territories seafood industry achievements and successes.

As tickets have sold out, a waiting list has been created. If you have missed your change to secure a ticket and would like to be added to the waiting list please contact Donna English via email projects@ ntsc.com.au

Award Categories and Sponsors

Business Award (Small) – Sponsored by Humpty Doo Barramundi Pty Ltd Business Award (Large) – Sponsored by Sydney Fish Market Fish & Chips Award – Sponsored by Fisheries Research & Development Corporation Industry Ambassador Award – Sponsored by Department of Trade, Business and Innovation People Development Award – Sponsored by Industry Skills Advisory Council NT Restaurant Award – Sponsored by Department of Primary Industry and Resources Safety Award – Sponsored by Australian Maritime Safety Authority Young Achiever -– Sponsored by Darwin Port

1313 Our new Agriculture NT Government 2019/2020 Budget Minister In May the NT Government had to dig deep, making some Australia’s first ever female agriculture tough choices to get the Territories spending under control, Minister Bridget McKenzie has hit as well as keeping the NT economy ticking. the ground running by pledging to take a hard line on “extreme animal With respect to the seafood industry, the NT Fisheries activists”, taken action to support the budget was decreased by $947K compared to this the dairy industry and importantly visited 2018/19 estimated budget. Creating jobs and attracting seafood and agribusinesses around people to the Northern Territory are key strategies the NT the country. Government is focussed on. Within the Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) they are aiding At a round table with the Western this by ‘ensuring sustainable development of Territories Australian seafood industry the fisheries’ as well as focussed on ensuring best practice Minister highlighted her priorities animal welfare standards are maintained. were on creating a Brand Australia across the portfolio, reliant upon: Fishing related initiatives from NTG Budget 2019/20 • managing the sustainability of the Territory’s aquatic • biosecurity; resources $4.6m (up $1.2m); • workforce to support the • supporting Aboriginal development (including the industry (migrant vs domestic marine ranger program) $1.7m (no change); supply issues); • enabling access to Territory coastal waters $1.5m (up • vocational education priorities; $100K); and • supporting aquaculture industry development $1.3m • improved market access (up $1.3m); protocols (FTAs, particularly in • undertaking the Territory-wide recreational fishing Asia). survey $650K (down $850K); • facilitating the Northern Territory Recreational Fishing Senator McKenzie’s family has lived Grants Scheme $400K (up $400K); and worked in regional Victoria for • agribusiness trade development $300K (no change); generations. Growing up with the • science services laboratory building at Berrimah Farm traditional rural influences of small $13m (up $13m); and business, sport and agriculture, • recreational fishing infrastructure $9.65m (up $9.65m). Senator McKenzie is firm in her belief that strong regional economies and The 2019/20 Budget papers including the Chief Minister’s secure regional communities are speech are available via https://budget.nt.gov.au/ critical to the future prosperity of our budget-papers great nation.

Senator McKenzie is a former secondary school teacher and university lecturer. She was elected to the Senate at the 2010 federal election, and re-elected in 2016.

She has a double degree in applied science and teaching.

14 All things Federal Government

In the lead up to the Federal Election, Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) urged the fishing community to stand united and send a clear message to local candidates about the importance of the Australian seafood industry, who we are, our challenges and hopes for the future.

On May 18 Australians voted back in to power the Australian Liberal Party (ALP), with Scott Morrison returning to the top seat as Prime Minister. So what should the seafood industry expect over the next 4 years from SIA?

• Commonwealth Marine Park Management Plans will remain as they are and Government will support the transition of fishers to the new plans with a $35 million Fisheries Business Assistance package; • finalisation of an aquatic emergency animal disease response agreement to ensure responsibilities and costs arrangements in place for governments and industry regarding aquatic emergency animal disease outbreaks; • ongoing support for the National Fishing Advisory Council (NFAC); • delivery of a Commonwealth Fisheries Resource Sharing Framework; • develop a National Fisheries Plan to achieve a shared vision for the industry; • a mental health program will see Government invest $600,000 over two years to support a trial of a mental health trusted advocate program; • support projects that improve the health of Australia’s marine and estuarine habitats; and • invest in building the capacity of recreational, Indigenous and commercial fisheries representatives.

‘The Morrison Government commitment to help us help those in our sector who suffer from mental health issues has come not a moment too soon. This must be the first priority – to get this assistance rolled out and delivered to those in need,’ SIA CEO Jane Lovell said.

With a re-elected Government came new Ministerial appointments, including Senator Bridget McKenzie’s appointment as is the nation’s first female Agriculture Minister. Senator Jonathon Duniam has been appointed as Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Ken Wyatt will be the first indigenous person to hold the Indigenous Australians portfolio.

‘I am so proud of our sustainable, science-based, fisheries management system here in Australia - where 25,000 families produce over a billion fresh, tasty, safe meals for Australians each and every year. I look forward to growing this $3.2 billion industry with you into the future,’ said Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie in her video message to the industry. For key points visit https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan-stronger-agriculture-fisheries-and-forestry-sector

15 How to make the a foodies destination

Menu’s that tell a story are the key to becoming a foodie destination. This was one of the key messages presented by renowned Gourmet Farmer and Chef, Matthew Evans during the annual Hospitality NT Trade Show.

Mr Evans spoke to NT venue owners, cooks and chefs about how important it is for NT restaurant and dining venues to make the effort to source, buy and share the story of the NT products.

Mr Evans said ‘It is all part of the consumer dining journey, ingredients are to create pleasure and joy for people, and customers want to hear the story behind the ingredients.’

In fact, Mr Evans praised the NT seafood labelling laws - ‘simply a must’ - for venues. Noting the importance to inform consumers of where produce is from and educating hospitality staff to aid telling the produce story would help attract more foodie tourists to the NT.

Mr Evan’s philosophy is that each time you buy, eat and drink you make a conscious choice – and encouraged people to take action.

coming events Event Date Time Venue FRDC Workshop 14-15 August All day event Canberra, ACT NT Coastal Line Fishermen’s 16 August 0930-1400 NTSC Conference Room Association GM Offshore Fishery Snapper 19 August 0900-1600 NT Fisheries Advisory Group NTSC Risk Assessment Workshop #1 20 August 0900-1600 Deloitte, Darwin

NTSC Board Meeting 21 August 0830-1600 NTS Conference Room 2019 NT Seafood Industry Awards 21 August 1800-2100 Char Restaurant Coastal Line Fishery Management 26 August 0900-1600 NT Fisheries Advisory Committee Timor Reef Licensee Committee AGM 5 September 0930 NT Conference Room

1616