THE State Government is gutting frontline fisheries compliance, dramatically weakening enforcement efforts, leaving marine environments, recreational fishers and boaters at greater risk.
It has slashed the number of Fisheries Officer positions from 27 to just nine across Port Phillip Bay and Western Port – Victoria’s busiest fishing and boating regions.
In total, 35 people will lose their jobs in a cost-of-living crisis, bringing staffing from 192 to 157.
Fisheries officers are already carrying a vacancy rate close to 30 per cent across the state and under the restructure some of these vacancies won’t be filled.
There are just over 50 fisheries officers in Victoria; 20 years ago, there were 72.
Over seven million people live in Victoria, and more Victorians than ever before enjoy recreational fishing, and boating around Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sam Groth stated the five stations impacted make-up more than 50 per cent the state’s Fisheries Officers, with the Central region producing the bulk of the state’s offence briefs, tickets and warnings as a result of the higher number of inspections and more offenders than other regions.
“Labor is dismantling fisheries enforcement, leaving our waterways vulnerable to illegal fishing, marine damage, and safety risks,” Mr Groth said.
“Instead of protecting our fisheries, they’re rebranding enforcement officers as ‘Engagement Officers’ and shifting the focus away from compliance. This is nothing more than a cost-cutting measure dressed up as reform.”
“With more Victorians fishing and boating than ever before, now is the time to strengthen enforcement – not cut it to the bone,” Mr Groth said.
“These cuts mean fewer inspections, less oversight, and a greater chance of illegal fishing and environmental damage. It’s a slap in the face to the responsible fishers who do the right thing and expect the rules to be enforced fairly.”
“The Liberal and Nationals will always stand with recreational fishers and boaters to ensure sustainable fish stocks, responsible management of our marine environments, and safe, well-regulated waterways,” Mr Groth said
- The 27 Fisheries Officer positions would be reduced to 9. (Loss of 18 FOs)
- In total, 35 job losses, bringing staffing from 192 to 157.
- Current Vacancies in the central region won’t be filled.
- All Fisheries Officers across the state will re-titled Fisheries Engagement Officer.
- There are just over 50 fisheries officers in Victoria; 20 years ago, there were 72.
- Job focus would shift to education and engagement and move away from enforcement.
- Central region produces the bulk of the state’s offence briefs, tickets, warnings because of the higher number of inspections and more offenders than other region.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority confirmed they will continue to provide the resources, services and education the fishing community needs, as required by legislation.
A VFA spokesperson stated, “going forward we will be more focused on education and engaging the community with fishing, and some workforce changes have been proposed to reflect this.
“We are consulting with employees and the union on workforce changes and will provide all staff with the support they need through this period.”
