MARINE PARKS

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:40): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries a question on the subject of marine parks.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: On 19 November last year, there was a joint announcement by the Premier and the environment minister that the government was imposing a moratorium on the marine park management plans. Mr Caica is attributed with having said:

The commercial fishing sector have also asked the government to closely consider the relationship between commonwealth marine reserves and state marine parks.

Given that there has not been, as far as I am aware, any further formal announcements from the government, can the minister give an update on that specific process?

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) (14:41): I am not too sure which date the honourable member wants. She needs to clarify her question, please.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: The joint release was 19 November 2011. So, any information since then specifically in relation to the relationship between commonwealth marine reserves and state marine parks, as requested by the commercial fishing sector.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The Minister for Environment is the lead minister responsible for marine parks, and he is in charge of the process around that. I will refer the honourable member's question to the Hon. Paul Caica and bring back a response.