Consultation committees and how they work
The Department of Fisheries has, for more than 100 years, managed WA's fish resources. Over that time the Department has developed ways of meeting the increasing challenges in accountability and requests for more meaningful consultation with its stakeholders.
Consultation has a vital role in successful fisheries management, for the greater the consultation on an issue, then the greater support for - and compliance with - the subsequent management. There is also a legislative obligation for the Minister for Fisheries to consult with stakeholders on management issues and the continuing protection of fish stocks.
To this end, a range of consultative committees have been established to provide advice to the Minister on the management of the State's fisheries, along with other issues affecting the fisheries portfolio. These committees are known as a Management Advisory Committees (established under section 41 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994) or Ministerial Advisory Committees (established under section 42 of the FRMA 1994) and have a major role in the fisheries management decision-making process. Both are referred to as a ‘MAC' for short.
What is a MAC?
Part 4 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (the Act), provides for the establishment of advisory committees to provide advice and information to the Minister for Fisheries on matters relating to the protection and management of a fishery or administration of the Act.
A similar advisory process is outlined in the Pearling Act 1990 for the pearling and pearl culture sectors, which has resulted in the creation of the Pearling Industry Advisory Committee. This committee also provides advice to the Executive Director of Fisheries.
Similar provisions in the Fisheries Adjustment Scheme Act 1987 exist for the establishment of Voluntary Fishery/Fisheries Adjustment Scheme Committees of Management. These provide advice to the Minister for Fisheries on the desirability of establishing adjustment schemes and the subsequent consideration of offers under those schemes.
The MAC is a forum where issues relating to a particular fishery or fisheries portfolio area are discussed, problems identified and possible solutions developed for consideration by the Minister. Each MAC gives the Minister a means to make his policies known to client groups and, in turn, a medium through which client groups' views may be made known to the Minister.
MACs are expertise-based, advisory in nature and make recommendations to the Minister for Fisheries. The MAC is not a body corporate - it has no power to expend or collect money in its own right, to own assets or employ contractors or staff. It must be clearly understood that the MAC is an adviser to the Minister for Fisheries, who is responsible for the final management decisions under fisheries legislation.
What's in a name?
Management Advisory Committees or ‘fishery MACs' provide information and advice to the Minister on matters related to the protection and management of a particular fishery or fisheries.
In general, fishery MACs will have the function of advising the Minister on a range of activities in relation to fisheries such as:
In general, fishery MACs will have the function of advising the Minister on a range of activities in relation to fisheries such as:
- Proposals or amendments relating to Management Plans or other subsidiary legislation;
- Any Ministerial Policy Guidelines for the fishery;
- Research and development priorities;
- Financial arrangements and budgets;
- Strategic Plans and Performance Indicators;
- Publicity and community awareness programs; and
- Compliance and monitoring proposals.
Principal fishery MACs include the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee; the Aquaculture Development Council and the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee. These MACs are often referred to as ‘statutory MACs'.
Other fishery MACs include:
Whereas Ministerial Advisory Committees are established under a separate section of the Act and can be flexible in their function, they have an agreed Terms of Reference and would also provide many of the above functions. A current Ministerial Advisory Committee is the Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee (IFAAC).
How do MACs work?
A fishery MAC's work involves:
- Identifying issues which affect fishing within a fishery.
- Advising the Minister on matters relating to the management, protection and development of a fishery.
- Responding to the Minister on matters relating to a fishery at the Minister's request.
- Assisting in the cost effective and accountable management of a fishery.
- Providing a conduit for consultation with stakeholders.
MAC membership is made up of nominated ‘experts' from major client groups concerned with a fishery (commercial, recreational sectors); representatives from the Department of Fisheries (research, compliance or management officers); and members with other expertise (e.g. have a conservation or indigenous background).
All MAC members, except those appointed ex officio, are appointed by the Minister for Fisheries. There may also be invited observers from peak bodies for some MACs.
Each MAC meets regularly to discuss and form solutions and advice on various issues. An Independent Chair, who ensures effective and thorough discussion, controls formal MAC meetings. The Chair is also encouraged to determine the formal wording for any resolutions - these will be reported to the Minister and an accurate record of the meeting is compiled by the MAC Executive Officer.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about MAC membership or nominating themselves for a MAC position should register their interest with the relevant Executive Officer at the Department of Fisheries
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