Thursday, 30 October 2025

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (23:36): (2079) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation. The action I seek is for the government to reconsider the restructure of Fisheries Victoria that occurred earlier this year and to re-employ the scientists and fishery officers that have been dismissed. On 20 May 2025 the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) announced the closure of fisheries stations at Braeside and Altona North, leaving no operational stations at the northern end of Port Phillip Bay. This restructure has resulted in a 44 per cent reduction in full-time officers from 69 to 39, and there has been a loss of experienced scientists and research staff across Victoria.

The removal of this expertise has diminished scientific monitoring and data collection, undermining the evidence base for managing fish stocks, water quality and ecosystem health. Without strong science Victoria risks overfishing, poor stock management and long-term habitat decline. Despite these risks, it appears no formal risk assessment was undertaken for what is described as a $9.4 million cost-saving measure. Yet data from 2023–24 shows fisheries officers made contact with 49,818 fishers, with 10 per cent found in breach of regulations – proof that strong enforcement is essential for sustainability.

In the VFA recent annual report fish stocking reached an all-time record 11.5 million fish into Victoria’s lakes and rivers, growing from 3 million in 2016. Rather than strengthening science in the face of the alleged climate change action for potential marine heatwaves, the government has reduced research capacity and frontline patrols, increasing the likelihood of illegal and unsustainable fishing activity. Meanwhile, at the Great Barrier Reef the federal government and Queensland agencies are investing heavily in restoration and marine science, recognising that sound research underpins both environmental and economic sustainability. Victoria’s fisheries from Port Phillip Bay to Western Port and the Gippsland Lakes deserve the same level of scientific commitment.

Minister, please prevent data fudging and illegal, criminal activity in our waterways. I urge you to review this restructure and restore the scientific and enforcement capacity needed to protect Victoria’s fisheries for future generations.