Gary Fooks
10-10-2007, 10:29 AM
Fishing votes in final sittings
Article from: Courier Mail
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By Lachlan Heywood (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/author/0,23829,5000532-3102,00.html)
October 10, 2007 12:00am
LAWS to overturn illegal fishing convictions on the Great Barrier Reef could be on the table as early as next week if Prime Minister John Howard opts for another sitting of Parliament.
Queensland Nationals Senator Ron Boswell yesterday said legislation could be fast-tracked to quash the convictions against 324 recreational fishermen, who were hit with fines of at least $2500 and criminal records for fishing in contentious protected areas called "green zones".
"It is currently before the Prime Minister. It is a complex legal matter that will require legislation," he said.
Mr Howard has been widely expected to call the election this weekend ahead of Parliament returning for its scheduled sitting later this month.
But a spokesman yesterday said Mr Howard was still planning to attend the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga on October 16 and 17, which would throw doubt on that idea.
The fishing issue is being closely watched in north Queensland, where the Nationals are facing a concerted attack from Family First in the battle for the Senate.
Family First leader Steve Fielding received a commitment from Mr Howard to look into the convictions during a private meeting last month.
A court ruled earlier this year that global satellite systems used by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority were not accurate enough to prove alleged poaching in no-fishing zones.
The case could have widespread ramifications as GBRMPA is just one of many government agencies who use GPS for enforcement purposes.
Customs and Immigration authorities also rely on the technology to prosecute illegal immigrants and foreign poachers caught in Australian waters.
Senator Boswell said he was pushing to have the legislation ready should Parliament sit next week.
Article from: Courier Mail
</IMG>
By Lachlan Heywood (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/author/0,23829,5000532-3102,00.html)
October 10, 2007 12:00am
LAWS to overturn illegal fishing convictions on the Great Barrier Reef could be on the table as early as next week if Prime Minister John Howard opts for another sitting of Parliament.
Queensland Nationals Senator Ron Boswell yesterday said legislation could be fast-tracked to quash the convictions against 324 recreational fishermen, who were hit with fines of at least $2500 and criminal records for fishing in contentious protected areas called "green zones".
"It is currently before the Prime Minister. It is a complex legal matter that will require legislation," he said.
Mr Howard has been widely expected to call the election this weekend ahead of Parliament returning for its scheduled sitting later this month.
But a spokesman yesterday said Mr Howard was still planning to attend the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga on October 16 and 17, which would throw doubt on that idea.
The fishing issue is being closely watched in north Queensland, where the Nationals are facing a concerted attack from Family First in the battle for the Senate.
Family First leader Steve Fielding received a commitment from Mr Howard to look into the convictions during a private meeting last month.
A court ruled earlier this year that global satellite systems used by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority were not accurate enough to prove alleged poaching in no-fishing zones.
The case could have widespread ramifications as GBRMPA is just one of many government agencies who use GPS for enforcement purposes.
Customs and Immigration authorities also rely on the technology to prosecute illegal immigrants and foreign poachers caught in Australian waters.
Senator Boswell said he was pushing to have the legislation ready should Parliament sit next week.