Primary Industries Research and Development (Representative Organisations—Fisheries Research and Development Corporation) Declaration 2026

Overview

The Primary Industries Research and Development (Representative Organisations—Fisheries Research and Development Corporation) Declaration 2026I, enacted by Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, serves to address the need for designated representative organisations in relation to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. This declaration was made under the authority of subsection 7(1) of the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989. The primary objective of this legislative action is to ensure that the interests of key stakeholders in the fisheries sector are effectively represented, thereby facilitating more targeted and effective research and development initiatives. This declaration officially recognises Seafood Industry Australia Limited, Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation Limited, and Commonwealth Fisheries Association as representative organisations, and it revokes any prior declarations concerning other organisations in the same capacity. This legislative move aims to streamline the representation and governance structures within the fisheries research and development domain, enhancing collaboration and policy alignment within the industry.

Scope and Application

The Primary Industries Research and Development (Representative Organisations—Fisheries Research and Development Corporation) Declaration 2026I designates specific organisations as representative entities for the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989. The declaration applies to Seafood Industry Australia Limited, the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation Limited, and the Commonwealth Fisheries Association, each identified by their Australian Business Numbers (ABN). This legal instrument serves to officially recognise these organisations as representatives in matters pertaining to fisheries research and development, thereby ensuring that their interests and expertise are incorporated into decision-making processes within the sector. Additionally, the declaration revokes any prior declarations of representative organisations under section 7 of the Act, thereby streamlining the representation framework for the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. The jurisdictional reach of this legislation is confined to the Commonwealth, reflecting its federal nature and the overarching role of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in its promulgation.

Key Provisions

The Primary Industries Research and Development (Representative Organisations—Fisheries Research and Development Corporation) Declaration 2026I, made by Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, under subsection 7(1) of the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989, establishes the Seafood Industry Australia Limited, Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation Limited, and Commonwealth Fisheries Association as representative organisations for the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. This formal recognition (sections 2 and 3 of the Declaration) allows these entities to represent the interests of their respective sectors in research and development activities related to fisheries. The Declaration also ensures that any prior declarations of other organisations as representative bodies for the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation are revoked, consolidating the representation under these three specific entities. These organisations, now designated as representative, bear the responsibility of ensuring that the research and development initiatives undertaken by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation align with the needs and priorities of the sectors they represent. This includes participating in the formulation of research agendas, providing input on funding decisions, and reporting on the outcomes and impacts of funded projects. They must also maintain transparency and accountability in their operations, ensuring that the interests of the broader fishing community are fairly represented. Failure to comply with the obligations set out in the Declaration can lead to serious consequences. While the Declaration itself does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties, breaches of the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989, which governs the operation of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, could result in legal action. The Act provides for a range of penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. For instance, knowingly providing false or misleading information could attract penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and significantly higher fines for corporations. Additionally, the Minister has the authority to disqualify an organisation from being a representative body if it is found to be acting contrary to its obligations, which could have significant ramifications for the entity's ability to influence research and development funding decisions.