WA Fishing Industry Risks Collapse Without Radical Change: Veteran Fisher

Western Australia's commercial fishing industry is at risk of collapse unless its peak body undergoes radical change, according to veteran commercial fisher Anthony Haygarth. The industry is facing a wave of controversial changes to fishing regulations, and Haygarth says the West Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) is not doing enough to protect its interests.

Funding Cuts and Industry Concerns

The WAFIC has had its government funding cut by $400,000, more than a quarter of its previous budget, under a new four-year funding deal. This has sparked debate about whether a body funded by the government can effectively lobby against government decisions. Haygarth, a former WAFIC deputy chair, believes the reliance on government funding has limited the council's ability to advocate for the industry.