Commercial Fisher Licence Fees

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (14:52): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries regarding commercial fisher licence fees.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.R. HOOD: Today, a number of commercial fishers have received a tax invoice for their commercial fisher licence fees, although within that PDF of the tax invoice or the email itself there is no information supplied on how to apply for fee relief. Does the minister consider this an oversight, and does she consider that it would be a good idea to include information on how commercial fishers could apply for fee relief, considering the algal bloom is still continuing?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:53): I thank the honourable member for his question. The invoices would be issued, and my understanding is that fishers have been made aware of how they can apply for fee relief; however, I am happy to check that with the department to see what mechanisms have been used. I would certainly encourage anyone who has received their invoice who considers they may be eligible for fee relief to contact the department.

They can look on the PIRSA website and it has all of the information, as I understand it, or indeed the algal bloom website, which is the one-stop shop for information in regard to the algal bloom. I would encourage people to apply even if they have questions over whether they are eligible. What we have been able to say is that this is an emerging situation with the algal bloom and therefore, in terms of the grants and assistance available, we have certainly tried to be flexible. So if people think they are just going to miss out for whatever reason, they are still encouraged to apply and then that can be considered in its fullness.