News and media

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is changing the way we live and work—and the agricultural industry is no exception.

The Commission met for its 70th meeting in Canberra on 10-11 March 2020.

This document provides a summary of the key discussions and decisions by the Commission. It is not a record of discussions and does not cover agenda items and discussions that are either routine or confidential.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is encouraging Australians to support their local commercial fishers in buying freshly caught and sustainable seafood this Easter.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) recognises the current challenges facing Commonwealth commercial fishers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the Australian Government announced that Commonwealth commercial fishers do not have to pay remaining Commonwealth fishing levies for 2020. This means the levies to be collected by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 or the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 will be waived from 1 April 2020, for the remainder of the year.

Joint media release:

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud and, Assistant Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and Regional Tourism

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) recognises the current challenges facing Commonwealth commercial fishers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.