Senator MURPHY (1:07 PM) —I do have a few brief comments to make about this legislation. But, before doing so, I would say that there are some interesting things that could be uncovered with respect to the levy for the Prawn Promotion Association.

The government has taken a very important decision, and it is one that I very much support—and it is this prohibition of catch of blue and black marlin. It is just a shame that it was not extended to some of the other billfish species. Whilst our commercial fishing industry is very important to this country, what has suffered and not been recognised in any way, shape or form is the recreational fishing industry.

I say `recreational fishing industry' in this country. It is worth about $5 billion per annum. That only accounts for things such as tackle and equipment; it does not take account of money spent on fuel and accommodation, et cetera. So it is a huge and growing industry.

In the case of many fish species, in the fullness of time, it will be proven that those species have a much higher value in so far as recreational and charter boat fishing is concerned—particularly in some parts of our country. I know that in Queensland it is important, and it is a growing industry in my own state. I can say that in most states there is a growing, if you like, commercial recreational fishing industry, one in which charter boat operators take people out fishing. Of course, the whole process is growing at an exponential rate.

I think this is a very important step. But, with responsibility for both the enforcement and the administration of this prohibition being given to AFMA, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, what concerns me is that, when we go to the budget and look at what has happened to AFMA's funding, it has been cut.

Senator Sherry —Slashed.

Senator MURPHY —Its funding has been slashed significantly. So I somewhat doubt the government's commitment to the process of taking legislative action to ensure the protection of our fish species whilst then proceeding to cut the budget of the authority with the responsibility for administering these amendments to the legislation. Of course, that also is a problem in other areas; it is a problem with another bill to come before this Senate in connection with fisheries research funding.

There are major problems in other fisheries areas, in other fish species. One which is of particular importance to us is southern bluefin tuna. We cannot afford to have reductions in research funding. Most people would acknowledge that many species of fish being commercially fished are heavily overfished. There is little scientific data that provides information to determine and develop sustainable levels of fishing. It is fundamentally important for any government not only to maintain research and management funding but also to increase it.

So I say to the government: congratulations for at least taking a step in the right direction. But I would urge the government to reconsider its position with AFMA funding, and also with research funding in the fishing area.