Funding boost to help keep fishermen safe

Phil Reeves, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, today announced a $30,000 investment into research to find ways to improve safety practices in Queensland's commercial fishing industry.

The research aims to identify world’s best marine safety practices and develop ways to apply the research for the benefit of the industry.

"The inherent risks associated with commercial fishing are well known and it is important that we continue to develop ways to minimise crew exposure to those risks," Mr Reeves said.

"The fishing industry in Queensland has shown it is keen to improve its safety record so we have invested $30,000 in a joint Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) and Maritime Safety Queensland research project.

"The funding will enable the QSIA to appoint a dedicated researcher to undertake the study and analysis of what could be introduced here in Queensland for the benefit of skippers and crew alike.

"With the help of its industry, the QSIA has the ability to use this research from a practical viewpoint to deliver a suite of safety reforms that will help to set new standards of on-board safety.

"The Queensland Government is serious about workplace safety and is keen to take crew safety to another level; a level set by industry, and one that maximises the chances of a safe return."

Mr Reeves said the fishing industry had already demonstrated a willingness to provide a safer work environment by participating in a pilot program trialling the full time wearing of lifejackets while working on board a fishing vessel.

"Lifejacket manufacturers are keen to meet the safety needs of crew and have already made adjustments following advice from participants.

"Queensland fishers are clearly moving ahead in this area and their willingness to improve crew safety is an important cultural change that deserves encouragement and support."

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