Back to FISH Vol 26 2
PUBLISHED 1 Jun 2018
SHARE
MORE INFORMATION FRDC +61 2 6122 2100 frdc@frdc.com.au

New state fisheries ministers

Photo of Minister Sarah CourtneyPhoto of Tim WhetstoneSarah Courtney (top) and Tim Whetstone

In Tasmania, Sarah Courtney (right) has been appointed as Minister for Primary Industries and Water in the Liberal government under Premier Will Hodgman. Elected as the Member for Bass, she previously worked in the finance industry before establishing a boutique vineyard in the Tamar Valley.

In South Australia, the new Liberal government under Premier Steven Marshall has appointed Tim Whetstone (below right) as Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, which includes fisheries.

Tim Whetstone is the Member for Chaffey in SA’s Riverland. Before entering parliament he was a grape and citrus grower, a director of the Renmark Irrigation Trust and chair of South Australian Murray Irrigators.


Fighting food waste

The seafood supply chain is expected to benefit from the efforts of the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), which was officially announced in April and will begin operating on 1 July 2018.

In Australia an estimated 35 per cent of harvested seafood becomes waste. The Fight Food Waste CRC has won $30 million funding from the Australian Government’s CRC Program, which has an estimated $133 million of funding over 10 years. It aims to tackle the growing international problem of food waste by reducing food waste throughout the supply chain, transforming unavoidable waste into innovative high-value co-products, and engaging with industry and consumers to deliver behavioural change. It will take a triple-bottom-line approach to preventing and transforming food waste and developing the circular food economy.

More information:

Steve Lapidge, steven.lapidge@sa.gov.au


Save the date

On 19 October 2018 the Women’s Industry Network Seafood Community (WINSC) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Hilton Adelaide.

The event will also mark the launch of a new honour roll to recognise the contribution of significant women in the Australian seafood sector.

WINSC had its beginnings in the Women’s Industry Network in South Australia, established in 1996, and was established as a national organisation with state branches in 1998. It provides a unique network that encompasses commercial fishing, aquaculture, research, processing, policy and resource management.

WINSC works to support and build the capacity of women and their ability to contribute to the future of the seafood sector. 

More information:

Karen Holder
0407 618 659
dkholder2010@gmail.com


Seafood and fisheries training review

Photo of a crocodile

Low enrolments during the past three years have put more than 50 training units in the Seafood Industry Training Package on the list for deletion unless industry feedback demonstrates an ongoing need for the skills.

The list includes subjects such as operating a hatchery, working with crocodiles, supporting a diving operation, and constructing and customising net design.

Skills Australia is reviewing and redrafting the Seafood Industry Training Package. The 12 qualifications, 13 skill sets and 104 units of workplace competency are related to the following occupations: aquaculture specialist/manager, fish farmer, hatchery manager (fish), mussel or oyster farmer, commercial diver, deckhand, senior deckhand, fisher, boat captain, general hand or field hand, and leading hand.

A review of post-harvest training includes eight qualifications, one skill set and 49 units of competency. Related occupations include seafood/fish processor, factory hand, process worker, seafood/fish packer, seafood/fish seller, seafood/fish transporter, store person/assistant/manager, team leader, compliance manager, marketing manager, and new technology/automation specialist.
Revisions will address changes in processing, distribution, storage, fishing and environmental management.

Redrafted qualifications are expected to be available for stakeholder comment during July and August 2018. The review process is being managed by Skills Impact and led by the Aquaculture and Wild Catch Industry Reference Committee chaired by Johnathon Davey.

Register your interest or provide feedback at the Skills Impact website.

More information:

Danni McDonald,
dmcdonald@skillsimpact.com.au