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Review of Cancellation Provisions in Commonwealth Fisheries Legislation
Reason for the review
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) is conducting a review of provisions in Commonwealth fisheries legislation which allow fishing entitlements to be cancelled in certain circumstances.
The review is being conducted to fulfill the Australian Government’s 2007 election commitment to: 'Review the feasibility of alternatives to the cancellation provisions under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (FM Act), such as increased financial penalties for non-compliance and longer periods of suspension of statutory fishing rights for domestic fisheries offences'.
The department has expanded the scope of the review to include an examination of cancellation provisions under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 (TSF Act) to ensure consistent application of Commonwealth fisheries policy.
How the review will be conducted
Questionnaire
A questionnaire has been developed as a first step in the review to seek stakeholder views on:
- the current cancellation provisions
- the alternatives to the current arrangements
- the criteria to determine the feasibility of the alternatives.
Download the Questionnaire 
PDF [200kb] 
Word [278kb]
Workshop
The department will be holding a half-day workshop on 3 September 2008 to bring together stakeholders to discuss the information gathered via the questionnaire and to gather people’s views on current cancellation provisions, options for reform and the feasibility of alternative provisions. Please contact John English on 02 6272 3501 or email cancellation.review@daff.gov.au by 8 August 2008 to indicate your interest in participating in a workshop on the 3 September 2008.
Feedback provided via the questionnaires and workshop will assist in preparing a draft report outlining the review’s findings and recommendations. It is anticipated that the draft report will be released on the department’s website in late 2008 for public consultation.
A final report will then be prepared for consideration by the Australian Government in early 2009.
How can I provide feedback?
A response to the questions feedback on the questions is requested by 8 August 2008. Feedback can be provided in one of the following ways:
By email: cancellation.review@daff.gov.au
By post:
John English
Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
PO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
By phone: 02 6272 3501 (international respondents +612 6272 3501)
By fax: +612 6272 4875 (international respondents +612 6272 4875)