To support DAWE's guidance, and respond to questions about the application of the plan to environmental impact assessments, NOPSEMA and DAWE have published a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
25 October 2021 -Regionalised concessions released for the Fishing Industry Labour Agreement SIA has received advice from the Department of Home Affairs that the Minister has agreed to the majority of concessions requested through its submission, including the addition of the Seafood Process Worker (ANZSCO 831313) occupation, and approval to allow permanent residency pathways for the ENS and SESR visas.
However, the Minister did not agree to the following:
To make the occupation Seafood Process Worker available to businesses in Category 1 locations (it is therefore only available to Category 2 and 3 locations).
Proposed alternative English concessions for:
Deck and Fishing Hands, to IELTS 4.0 overall, with no minimum component score.
Master Fisher, Ship’s Engineer, Ship’s Master, Ship’s Officer, to IELTS 4.5 overall, with no minimum component score.
We are working with stakeholders to request a review of these points, specifically the IELTS requirements for labour agreements, to make them consistent with other VISA streams. A copy of the new draft head agreement is available here for your review. Changes to the agreement have been highlighted, aside from minor ordering changes of existing content.
October 2021 - Seafood Industry Victoria partners with Heritage Victoria in reporting shipwreck discoveries. Commercial fishers can provide valuable information on the location of missing shipwrecks. For this reason, Seafood Industry Victoria has partnered with Heritage Victoria in the Shipwreck Discovery Program aimed at encouraging fishers to report finds.
To assist fishers, Heritage Victoria has prepared guidelines and Q&A’s document providing information on how to identify and report shipwreck and artefact discoveries. Reporting includes ready access to a maritime archaeologist who will record the find.
Seafood Industry Victoria has distributed stickers and waterproof cards to its members. The on-board information includes examples of finds to report, what to do if something is found and a dedicated mobile number to call Heritage Victoria. Further information can be found at: Shipwreck Discovery Program (heritage.vic.gov.au).