Media Statements - Yet another embarrassing gaffe by Opposition

4/01/05

The State Opposition has produced yet another embarrassing gaffe in its clumsy approach to recreational fishing.

The Liberal Candidate for Vasse last week accused the State Government of dragging its heels over changes to the management of the Geographe Bay crab fishery.

But the accusation was made just two days after Coalition Leader Colin Barnett revealed the Opposition had no plans for this fishery other than another review.

Fisheries Minister Kim Chance said the Liberal candidate’s claims were not only blatantly hypocritical but also spectacularly wrong.

“The Gallop Government has in fact already met with the licencees in this fishery and will be announcing its future management plan very shortly,” Mr Chance said.

“In contrast, all the Coalition wants to do is more research with the possibility of recommendations emerging some time in the future.

“I suspect the Liberal candidate knew the Government’s announcement was imminent and made a final, bumbling attempt to score a cheap political point.

“Unfortunately, he forgot to check with his leader, who had already publicly revealed the Coalition had no future plan to manage this important regional fishery.”

The Minister said previous embarrassments were:

Mr Barnett’s false claims of Rottnest Island fishing bans and recreational fishing licence plans;

Mr Barnett’s bumbling proposal last September to relocate the whole of the Fisheries Department to Geraldton contrary to a Coalition position statement; and

Mr Barnett’s ongoing refusal to include the fisheries portfolio within his shadow cabinet.

“I don’t mind the Opposition developing a renewed interest in the fishing portfolio, but to have any credibility with the public they must try to get their facts right,” Mr Chance said.

Minister's office: 9213 6700