Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Philip Davis

Cameron aquaculture back-flip too late for many

Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron should resign after finally admitting he was wrong to implement the exorbitant aquaculture license fees which sent more than half of the industry out of business.

By Philip Davis - 30th September 2005 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Philip Davis said he was pleased Bob Cameron had finally admitted his new fee structure was unsustainable, but the industry could have been saved if Mr Cameron recognised his mistakes 18 months earlier.

"The Bracks Government’s ridiculous license fees have devastated many in the aquaculture industry," he said.

"License fee re-structures resulted in more than half of Victoria’s aquaculture industry shutting up shop, while 80 per cent of yabby farmers have ceased operations.

"Bob Cameron even revoked the recognised peak body status of the Victorian Aquaculture Council (VAC), which is provided for in the Fisheries Act, because the VAC stood up for the rights of aquaculture growers."

Mr Davis said the fact the Fisheries Management Service levies had been reduced by up to 97 per cent proved Bob Cameron had ridiculously overpriced the levy in 2004.

The total levies have been reduced by up to 87.3 per cent.

"Time and time again, the Liberal Party warned Bob Cameron his exorbitant fees would drive aquaculture businesses out of the industry, but he refused to listen," Mr Davis said.

"The VAC attempted to represent its growers and highlighted the problems to the Minister - but again he thought he knew better.

"Bob Cameron’s complete arrogance on this issue has resulted in the destruction of Victoria’s aquaculture industry.

"I just hope that now Bob Cameron has seen sense, the industry can be re-built."

Mr Davis said he hoped Bob Cameron had learned his lesson and would communicate more with the industry in the future.

"No-one knows the aquaculture industry better than those involved in it," Mr Davis said.

"Bob Cameron must put his aside his arrogance and do the industry a favour and get out of the way."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
  Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.