Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti says catch reporting not mandatory for recreational fishers to help families

WA Labor has reaffirmed its stance against mandatory catch reporting for recreational fishers, saying the decision was to support families despite industry bodies advocating for it to be imposed. The Labor party last week committed to implement legislation to overhaul the licensing and quota set up for commercial fishers, providing them with security for their industry. Minimum licences of at least 10 years will also be supported, with both the Liberals and Nationals making similar pledges last week. Speaking in Geraldton on Tuesday, Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said the party was looking out for families. “We think having that type of red tape and that type of regulatory system is not feasible,” she said. “It’s going to cost families and government, and I just don’t think anyone would stick by it anyway. “I think our approach is a commonsense approach.” Meanwhile, Ms Saffioti has backed Geraldton’s manufacturing industry to be a winner, should the party be re-elected. In one of the last, if not the final visit from a minister prior to Saturday’s election, Ms Saffioiti visited Dongara Marine to get an insight into local production of boats. With shipbuilding and growing renewable opportunities, she said there was an opportunity for the Mid West to be a hub for local manufacturing. “Geraldton is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by supporting local manufacturing, with the ship-building industry helping to sustain a significant workforce,” she said. “More local manufacturing will grow local supply chains, boost the local economy, and create more jobs for the people of Geraldton. “Made in WA is about preparing for the future. It’s a choice to build more here, rather than offshoring our skills and capability.” The Labor party also announced funding for cycling event Backroads Gravel to continue for the next three years if they are re-elected. They pledged $450,000 across three years for the event, which sees competitors take part in a number of events in Chapman Valley ranging from a 5km run to a 160km bike ride. Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said the party was proud to support the event. “We’re very excited to welcome competitors and spectators to this fantastic event for the next three years, helping to create a great atmosphere in and around the region,” she said. “Importantly, these events also provide great benefits for our broader community, bringing in valuable visitor spend and supporting our local operators.”