SHARK FISHING BAN

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (15:12): I have a supplementary question. Given that the minister has told us about the wide consultation, is she aware that Surf Life Saving SA requested that fishing off these jetties in populated areas be made a criminal offence because of the danger posed to children in the water as well? Also, how many jetties will need to be policed and how many inspectors will be available to police those jetties and respond to reports in a timely manner?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:13): I did indicate that there is a wide range of stakeholders and interested parties in relation to this issue. What we attempted to do was consider the whole range of those points of view and come to an agreement on a particular action.

That is what we have done. We believe that the position we have taken is a balanced one and one that has general support. Surf Life Saving SA has come out and spoken highly of this initiative; they may have preferred some other elements, but they have been very supportive of this, which I am very pleased about.

I remind honourable members that this is a trial for 12 months. We will assess the outcome of this, as well as the public's response and the recreational fishers' response. If we need to make further changes later on I will be happy to review this then.