Wednesday, 19 November 2025

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (13:00): My question is to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation and concerns fishing compliance and offences. The Victorian Fisheries Authority’s annual report shows that recreational fishing licence and catch limit inspections have plummeted by 35 per cent in the past year; additionally, the number of offences detected has dropped by 36 per cent. You have since cut fisheries officers, and the VFA’s ability to monitor our inland and marine waterways has taken a further nosedive. In my electorate, in Western Port and in Gippsland Lakes and the Port Welshpool area, communities rely on both commercial and recreational fishing to stimulate our prosperity and towns. Illegal fishing impacts sustainability and our natural fisheries. Minister, how will you ensure that there is effective enforcement and compliance so our fisheries are not depleted, people do the right thing and we have a sustainable commercial and recreational fishing sector?

On a point of order, President, a very simple one, constituency question 1897 is still outstanding after a month.

The PRESIDENT: I will get the minister at the table to follow that up.

Sitting suspended 1:01 pm until 2:01 pm.