Fishing Industry

In reply to Mr ELLIS (Narungga) (25 June 2024). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): I have been advised:

The statement of cashflows represents inflows and outflows across PIRSA's administered funds on a cash basis, rather than the value of revenue and expenses realised across the financial year.

The reduced cash inflows in 2022-23 ($5.0million) mainly reflect the fee relief provided to the rock lobster sector in 2022-23 ($2.6million) and fees to the sardine sector in 2023-24 ($0.7million), with the balance ($1.7million) reflecting the timing of cash receipts in relation to all fees across the industry which may have been as a result of the prepayment of 2022-23 fees in the 2021-22 financial year or the fees owing at the end of the 2022-23 financial year that will ultimately be recognised as cash in 2023-24.

The statement of comprehensive income on page 67, specifically the fees, fines and penalties line item is a more accurate representation of fees charged across the years, with the variation between 2022-23 actual and 2023-24 budget being due mainly to the rock lobster and sardine measures mentioned above.