Australian Fisheries Management Authority – Register of Persons concerned about Plans of Management under Section 17A of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (2022)

Overview

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority – Register of Persons concerned about Plans of Management under Section 17A of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (2022) facilitates a mechanism for individuals and organisations to remain informed about draft Management Plans developed under section 17 of the Fisheries Management Act 1991. This initiative, enacted by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), aims to enhance transparency and public participation in the management of fisheries resources within Australia. The policy objective is to ensure that stakeholders are given the opportunity to engage in the planning process, thereby contributing to more informed and inclusive decision-making. The AFMA maintains this register in accordance with its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles, ensuring that personal information is managed responsibly and securely.

Scope and Application

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority – Register of Persons concerned about Plans of Management under Section 17A of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (2022) establishes a register for individuals and organisations interested in being notified about draft Management Plans for fisheries. This register is maintained by the AFMA, and the authority invites interested parties to submit their names and postal addresses to be included. The Management Plans in question are developed under Section 17 of the Fisheries Management Act 1991. The legislation applies to any person or organisation, existing or newly formed, with an interest in receiving notifications about these plans. To accept the invitation to register, interested parties must submit their details in writing either to a designated PO Box or via email within specified timeframes depending on when they became aware of the notice. The act also clarifies that any personal information collected for this purpose is managed in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of this piece of legislation, C2022G00636 (Gazette), focus on establishing a register for individuals or organisations interested in being notified about draft Management Plans under section 17A of the Fisheries Management Act 1991. Section 17A of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 pertains to the creation and development of these Management Plans, and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) invites those interested to register their names and postal addresses on a dedicated register. This registration enables them to receive updates and notifications regarding these plans. The invitation specifies that the registration can be done by submitting a written acceptance to AFMA, either through post or email, and includes the requirement to provide the registrant's name and postal address. The obligations imposed by the legislation require interested parties to formally accept the invitation to register by submitting a written acceptance within specific timeframes. For entities that already exist at the time of the notice's publication, the acceptance must be submitted within one month. For new entities, the acceptance must be submitted within twelve months of the notice's publication. Additionally, registrants can choose to specify whether they wish to be notified about all Management Plans or only specific ones. Furthermore, AFMA must manage any personal information collected for maintaining the register in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles, ensuring the protection and privacy of the registrants' information. In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the legislation does not explicitly outline specific sanctions or penalties for failing to comply with the registration requirements. However, the importance of adhering to the registration process is underscored by the necessity of timely submissions to ensure continued notification about the Management Plans. Non-compliance could potentially result in missing critical updates or information regarding the plans, which could have indirect consequences for the entities that depend on such information. It is essential for interested parties to follow the specified timelines and procedures to maintain their place on the register and to stay informed.