The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, today asked the Prime Minister if he shares Tasmanian Opposition leader Will Hodgman’s opposition to the super trawler and if he would rule out allowing such vessels in Australian waters.
The Prime Minister Tony Abbott said “it [the super trawler] was banned, it will stay banned”. The full answer is available at: http://www.andrewwilkie.org/content/index.php/awmp/home_news_extended/ abbott_confirms_super_trawler_will_stay_banned.
“The Prime Minister’s unambiguous statement in the Parliament today that the super trawler is banned, and will stay banned, is a real breakthrough”, Mr Wilkie said.
“Since the federal election some six months ago the Liberal Party has shown itself to be open to the possibility of allowing the super trawler into Australian waters after the two year ban expires in November.
“The Prime Minister’s answer unambiguously quashes that possibility and should hearten the great many Australians, and Tasmanians in particular, who understand the extreme environmental and economic damage these factory ships have done elsewhere in the world.
“Today’s announcement relies on the Prime Minister keeping his word. Those of us who oppose the super trawler would be wise to keep the pressure on the Federal Government on this issue and to ensure it well understands the backlash that will await it at the next election if it reneges on today’s very important commitment.”
Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie
