Phil Reeves, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, has announced a $30,000 investment into research to find ways to improve safety practices in Queensland’s commercial fishing industry.
The research aims to identify world’s best marine safety practices and develop ways to apply the research for the benefit of the industry.
“The fishing industry in Queensland has shown it is keen to improve its safety record so we have invested $30,000 in a joint Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) and Maritime Safety Queensland research project.
“The funding will enable the QSIA to appoint a dedicated researcher to undertake the study and analysis of what could be introduced.
“With the help of industry, the QSIA has the ability to use this research from a practical viewpoint to deliver a suite of safety reforms that will help to set new standards of on-board safety.
Mr Reeves said the fishing industry had already shown a willingness to provide a safer work environment by participating in a pilot program trialling the full time wearing of lifejackets while working on board a fishing vessel.
