MARINE PARKS

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:12): Thank you, Mr President. Can the minister advise on what principles the fair market value has been determined for those fishing licences?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:12): It's fair market value. The current market price in a given fishery—different fisheries are worth different values at any particular time—so we will look at that and give a fair price accordingly. These are negotiations that are occurring with the industry. If the industry doesn't like the price that we are offering, they won't accept it—it will be as simple as that. They are not forced to surrender: it's something that's voluntary.

I can absolutely assure the member that, if we didn't ask a fair price, they wouldn't accept it. I can assure the honourable member that there are a lot of takers and a lot of interest, and I don't think we are going to have any problems at all meeting our commitments in relation to displaced effort.