RecFish SA Fishing Adventure Day

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (15:13): Can the minister categorically rule out a licence fee will be introduced for all recreational fishers by this government, and during the term of this government?

The PRESIDENT: Minister.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:13): Thank you, Mr President, although I wouldn't have been surprised if that was ruled out of order as not arising from the original answer. I am, however, happy to answer it, if you are happy to allow that, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: It's up to you.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: As I have said in this place previously, and also publicly, there are a range of opinions in regard to the benefits or disadvantages of a recreational fishing licence and licence fee. Members may be aware, certainly, Victoria and New South Wales I think have a recreational fishing licence, and it's something that has engendered many debates in South Australia. So far, as far as I can see, it seems to be roughly equal numbers of those who would support such a measure and those who would oppose such a measure.

We have undertaken, as a government, that we wouldn't be introducing a recreational licence in this current term. I certainly don't have any plans myself at the moment to be pursuing such a course of action. If it was to be investigated, it would need to be at the instigation of peak bodies of recreational fishers, and I think I have said that on a number of occasions here already. It is certainly not something that I have a view on either in favour or against. If it is something that the recreational fishing community was wholeheartedly behind, then it would be worth investigating. If that is not the case, then it's not going to be on the agenda.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Pangallo, further supplementary.