The Australian government’s 2023-2024 federal budget is a ‘missed opportunity’ for the seafood industry, says the sector’s national trade body.
Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) said that the budget fails to address challenges faced by commercial seafood producers such as increased production costs, a biosecurity protection levy and labour shortages.
“We believe the government has missed an opportunity to support our seafood producers, businesses and the broader agricultural sector, who play a vital role in the Australian economy and support the livelihoods of thousands of Australians in Regional and Rural Australia,” said SIA chief executive Veronica Papacosta.
Of particular concern to the sector is an increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold which it argues will further reduce the number of available workers. ““We are an industry reliant on foreign labour,” said Papacosta. “What the TSMIT increase fails to take into account are the standing costs associated with the use of foreign labour including visas, insurance and travel.”
The 6% increase to the heavy vehicle road user charge has also come under fire. “This means the cost for transporting food and fibre around the country will increase. There will continue to be upward pressure placed on food prices for Australians, and further exacerbate cost of living pressures,” said Papacosta.
However, the industry has welcomed the government’s commitment to a country of origin seafood label rollout and its recognition of the importance of biosecurity, although it is concerned about the cost of such a levy.
