AN ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN:
HER EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR‑GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council,
AND
HER EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF QUEENSLAND, acting by and with the advice of the Executive Council of Queensland.
IT IS ARRANGED AS FOLLOWS:
1 Name
This arrangement is the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority Abolition Arrangement 2025.
Note: This arrangement takes effect on the day of publication on the Federal Register of Legislation: see subsection 61(4) of the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
2 Authority
This arrangement is made under section 61 of the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
3 Definitions
In this arrangement:
Act means the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
4 Abolition of the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority
The Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority established under subsection 61(1) of the Act is abolished.
Note 1: The Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority was established under the Arrangement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Queensland in relation to the Fishery for Northern Demersal and Pelagic Fin Fish in the Gulf of Carpentaria as published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. S44, 8 February 1995.
Note 2: There are no arrangements under Division 3 of Part 5 of the Act in operation that provide that the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority is to have the management of a particular fishery.
Dated 5 February 2026
Sam Mostyn AC
Governor‑General of the
Commonwealth of Australia
By Her Excellency’s Command
Julie Collins
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry of
the Commonwealth of Australia
Dr Jeanette Rosita Young AC PSM
Governor of the
State of Queensland
By Her Excellency’s Command
Anthony Perrett
Minister for Primary Industries of
the State of Queensland
Overview
The Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority Abolition Arrangement 2025, enacted under the authority of the Fisheries Management Act 1991, marks the formal abolition of the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority. This arrangement, effective from the date of its publication in the Federal Register of Legislation, seeks to address the redundancy of the Joint Authority in managing fisheries in the Gulf of Carpentaria. By abolishing the Joint Authority, the arrangement responds to the current legislative context where no operational arrangements mandate its management role, thereby streamlining the regulatory framework for fisheries management in the region. The policy objective behind this legislative action appears to be the efficient restructuring of administrative bodies to better align with the evolving needs and circumstances of fisheries management.
Scope and Application
The Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority Abolition Arrangement 2025 is an agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Queensland, established under section 61 of the Fisheries Management Act 1991. This arrangement abolishes the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority, which was previously established under a prior arrangement to manage fisheries in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The abolition of this authority reflects changes in fisheries management responsibilities and practices, ensuring that the management of fisheries in the region aligns with current legislative frameworks. Notably, there are no ongoing arrangements under Division 3 of Part 5 of the Act that designate the Joint Authority for managing specific fisheries. This arrangement signifies a shift in jurisdictional oversight, effective from the date of its publication on the Federal Register of Legislation. The geographic scope of this arrangement is limited to the fisheries within the State of Queensland, underscoring its relevance to local fisheries management practices and the integration of state and federal legislative efforts.
Key Provisions
The Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority Abolition Arrangement 2025 (sections 1-4) primarily focuses on the abolition of the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority established under the Fisheries Management Act 1991. This arrangement, taking effect on the date of its publication on the Federal Register of Legislation (section 61(4)), formally dissolves the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority, which was initially created through an arrangement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Queensland in relation to the fishery for northern demersal and pelagic fin fish in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Authority was established in 1995 and was intended to manage certain fisheries. However, there are no current arrangements under Division 3 of Part 5 of the Act that designate the Authority for managing any specific fisheries.
The Arrangement imposes specific obligations on both the Commonwealth and the State of Queensland. Both parties must comply with the terms outlined in the Arrangement, which include the formal abolition of the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority. This dissolution means that any authority, responsibility, and assets of the Authority must be managed in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries Management Act 1991, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of fishery management within the region.
The Arrangement does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance within its text. However, breaches of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 or related regulations could result in civil or criminal penalties. Under the Act, individuals or entities found in breach of its provisions could face significant fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. For example, offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 can incur fines up to $22,200 for individuals and $111,000 for corporations, with additional penalties for repeat or serious offences. Given that the Arrangement is integral to the implementation of the Act, adherence to its stipulations is crucial to avoid potential legal ramifications.