Maritime Union says Government needs to get Fishing reform bill passed now

Maritime Union of New Zealand media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sunday 27 July 2014

The Maritime Union is urging the Government to push through a Bill reforming the fishing industry.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Joe Fleetwood says there will be serious repercussions if the Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill is not passed in the final sitting week of this Parliament.

Mr Fleetwood says he is sure both the Government and the fishing industry are aware of the urgency of this legislation and the need for it to be passed.

“There is multi-party support for this Bill.”

Any further delays to the Bill exposes fishing crews to unacceptable danger and disadvantage, as well as further damaging the commercial reputation of New Zealand’s fishing industry in key export markets, says Mr Fleetwood.

“Further inexplicable delays to the passage of this legislation sends a very poor message about New Zealand’s commitment to a modern, ethical fishing industry."

The Maritime Union is strongly in favour of the Bill’s requirement that Foreign Charter Vessels in the fishing industry are reflagged under the New Zealand flag, although it believes the timeframe for introduction is too long.

ENDS

© Scoop Media