Fisheries officers also routinely deal with poachers, often finding themselves in dangerous situations
NSW Fisheries officers' night strike over safety risks
AUSTRALIA
Monday, September 30, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
Fisheries officers in Sydney have launched strike action, citing serious safety concerns and warning that, without urgent reforms, it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured—or worse.
According to a union delegate for the officers, the drug trafficking infiltration in the commercial fishing industry underscores the dire need for improved safety measures.
Officers from New South Wales (NSW) claim that, unlike other Australian states, they lack critical powers to effectively monitor and regulate the commercial fishing industry. They are calling for the authority to inspect boat and vehicle registrations, conduct surveillance, and lead investigations, similar to powers granted to their counterparts in other states. Until their demands are addressed, they are refusing to conduct nighttime inspections of commercial trawlers, citing unacceptable risks.
Their demands include stab-proof vests, pepper spray, and access to real-time GPS tracking of the entire commercial fishing fleet. They also want a 'fit and proper person' test to be introduced for those seeking commercial fishing licenses, to ensure that individuals involved in the industry do not pose a threat to safety.
Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, emphasized the high risk these officers face, explaining that they have no way of knowing if the boats or cars they inspect are linked to organized crime, such as biker gangs. This vulnerability was illustrated by the 2020 incident where a trawler, Coralynne, was found transporting 1.8 tonnes of cocaine—worth $850 million—after a transfer from an international ship. If fisheries officers had boarded this trawler, Wright suggested, it could have had deadly consequences.
Fisheries officers also routinely deal with poachers, often finding themselves in dangerous situations while confiscating thousands of illegally harvested abalone and rock lobster, often late at night.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries has acknowledged the concerns but said providing ongoing commentary on the issue would not be helpful. However, they stressed that the safety of Fisheries officers is a top priority for the government.
Officers from New South Wales (NSW) claim that, unlike other Australian states, they lack critical powers to effectively monitor and regulate the commercial fishing industry. They are calling for the authority to inspect boat and vehicle registrations, conduct surveillance, and lead investigations, similar to powers granted to their counterparts in other states. Until their demands are addressed, they are refusing to conduct nighttime inspections of commercial trawlers, citing unacceptable risks.
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