Seafood Industry Australia lauds Australia's 2021-2022 budget

Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) said that the 2021-2022 Federal Budget is a win for Australian seafood businesses, adding that it also provides optimism for the industry amid the COVID-19. 

“The federal government has moved decisively in this budget and helped carve out a path to recovery for the many industries, including the Australian seafood industry, impacted by the events of the past two years,” SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta said in a statement.  “This budget is a win for Australian seafood businesses, and has the support of the Australian seafood industry.”

The budget, SIA said, emphasizes the role that seafood has to play in Australia’s recovery from COVID-19, and reaffirms its support of the industry.

“Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s agenda will accelerate the whole of agriculture’s growth, and the contribution Australia’s seafood industry makes to the nation’s bottom line,” Papacosta said.

SIA said the Australian government is committed to working with the  Australian seafood industry, lauding many of its planned investments, including a AUD 100 million (USD 78 million, EUR 64 million) to protect its oceans and AUD 20 million (USD 15.6 million, EUR 12.9 million) to advance data technology.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia’s ocean economy not only supports 400,000 jobs and was projected to contribute AUD 100 billion (USD 78 billion, EUR 64 billion) each year, but would also be key to Australia’s role in driving down emissions.

“Our oceans are part of the lifeblood of our economy and this investment will secure those jobs and the important role our oceans can play in our efforts to cut emissions,” Morrison said in a statement.

The government also announced trade support, which the SIA said “will allow Australia’s wild-catch fishers and aquaculturists to deliver produce to key international markets including China, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.” 

SIA added that the Australian government has been a strong supporter of the Australian seafood sector by providing assistance through natural disasters, the coronavirus pandemic, and trade disruptions to key domestic and international markets.  

“On behalf of our members, and the entire Australian seafood industry, SIA would like to thank the [government] for [its] unwavering support and help to keep Australian seafood businesses and jobs afloat, and most importantly Australian seafood on the table right around the world,” Papacosta said.  

Photo courtesy of Seafood Industry Australia