Australia gets unified peak seafood body
The announcement has been welcomed by the government of Malcolm Turnbull, whose Liberal predecessor, Tony Abbott, committed to provide A$535,000 to support its establishment ahead of the 2013 general election.
Since a prospectus was released last year to outline the new body’s role, pledges from close to 100 organisations and individuals worth a further A$644,460 have been received.
The chairman of the National Seafood Industry Alliance, a coalition of state fisheries bodies and other stakeholders, announced the board members of the new Seafood Industry Australia.
Johnathon Davey said the selection of “pro tem" directors was critical for representing the interests of all seafood businesses across Australia.
“I’m very excited to announce that a talented group of people with a diversity of skills and experience have been selected to lead the next phase of the work to form SIA,” Davey said.
Anne Ruston, Australia’s federal agriculture minister, said the new body had “widespread industry support” and would begin work once it selects a chairman and devises its constitution.
“Together with the Commonwealth Fisheries Association and state-based organisations, the SIA provides [Australian] governments at every level a united voice to advocate on behalf of the Australian seafood industry,” she added.
Board members are: Marshall Betzel, Chauncey Hammond, Dennis Holder, Veronica Papacosta, Mark Ryan, Marcus Stehr and Belinda Wilson.
