Stated purpose:
This Act compliments various Blue Mud Bay settlement agreements to allow permit-free fishing in intertidal waters overlying Aboriginal Land. The Act also increases the efficiency of fisheries licencing and infringement and confiscation notices for minor offences. The Act also provides powers to deal with biosecurity threats.
Native title implications:
The new section 7A inserts a new category of Authorised Officer known as Fisheries Inspectors. This will meet Government’s commitments in Blue Mud Bay agreements by allowing Indigenous marine rangers to have enforcement powers. The Minister may appoint Fisheries Inspectors with the powers and functions to be prescribed by regulation. These powers and functions will be commensurate with the level of training and qualifications of the individual. The Indigenous marine rangers will have the power to deal with recidivist offenders by suspending or revoking fishing entitlements for offences committed under the act or other relevant legislation, for example, fishing in a sacred site.
For further information please see the Explanatory Statement.