Mrs GASH (9:57 AM) —I would like to congratulate our Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Ian Macdonald, on the fishing industry buy-out plan. For Ulladulla fishermen, this package will return a level of sustainability to the local fishing industry. There is no doubt that the industry has been under a lot of strain, with a fall in quotas and diminishing returns for fishermen. So the package will certainly be welcomed by both those who choose to stay and those who choose to forgo their licences. The package is a very generous one and close to what the industry has been seeking. There are provisions to buy out licences and boats on a voluntary basis. Our industry asked for $47 million for the licence buy-out and actually got close to that, with a $43 million provision.

The reality is that the total allowable catches, or quotas, will be reduced next year, with further reductions planned for 2007. Clearly with these reduced quotas there will be far too many operators to support a viable industry. The Ulladulla quota will fall from 677 tonnes next year to 619 tonnes in 2007, a reduction of nine per cent. I particularly welcome the provision of a $20 million community structural adjustment package to assist affected communities. It is certainly something that we will pursue to get something positive done in Ulladulla, possibly with the boat harbour. I notice the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs is in the chamber; she well requires the Ulladulla boat harbour. I have invited the minister, Ian Macdonald, to come to Ulladulla to explain the package further. I have to say that this is very welcome news and I applaud the government for its initiative and practical approach.

With the little bit of time I have left, I would also like to say that I have offered my office to field complaints about workplace relations exploitation. I know there are many people uncertain about these laws and, given the extent of the negative publicity, I am certainly not surprised. So as a means of offering an avenue of redress for workers who feel they have been exploited, I am inviting them to let me know. I do not agree that anyone has the right to exploit another person, and the same goes for the workplace. I will not tolerate bullying or intimidation in any form and I will make it my business to ensure that unscrupulous employers and employees are weeded out. I feel it is our moral obligation to protect our constituents to the best of our abilities.

I know—and we all know—that this legislation is necessary for Australia, but it will not come at the expense of workers. It is my responsibility to ensure this initiative succeeds, and I will not have that compromised by individuals who manipulate the system for their own ends—employers or employees alike.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. IR Causley)—Order! In accordance with sessional order 193, the time for members’ statements has concluded.