Address to Seafood Directions Conference

Good afternoon, it’s a pleasure to be here at today’s conference. 

And to be able to join so many people who are passionate about the future of Australia’s seafood industry. 

From commercial fishers, aquaculture producers, processors and exporters. 

To researchers, supply chain businesses, and regulators. 

While you come from different parts of the sector and often bring different perspectives, you are all industry leaders. 

Leaders united by a shared commitment to producing high-quality Australian seafood. 

And to ensuring this industry not only navigates today’s challenges, but catch tomorrow’s opportunities. 

Australia is fortunate to have one of the most diverse seafood sectors in the world, because our seafood is truly world-class. 

And I can confidently say this given the high-quality seafood in my home state of Tasmania. 

Our seafood industry contributes around $3.7 billion annually to the Australian economy. 

You support thousands of jobs in regional, rural and coastal communities. 

And provide nutritious, high-quality food for Australians and for people right across the globe. 

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is backing Australia’s seafood sector. 

Because we recognise the important role you play for Australia’s economy, our food security, and for our critical trading relationships. 

Before I talk about some of our shared work underway and what lies ahead, I do want to acknowledge the disruption your industry has been experiencing over recent months. 

The war in Middle East is of course impacting globally, and Australia has not been immune from the challenges that come with it. 

Disruptions to fuel, including impacts to pricing, particularly diesel, have impacted our wild-catch fishing industry, aquaculture operators and the businesses that support them throughout the supply chain. 

And we know this is not only affecting work on the water, but also processing facilities, refrigeration and ice production, packaging, transport and distribution. 

Together with industry, we’ve helped secure around 800 million litres of additional diesel. 

Through this year’s Federal Budget, we’ve made the Instant Asset Write-Off permanent, which I know many in this room support. 

In recognition of the input cost pressures being felt right now, we’ve deferred changes to agricultural export services, including for our seafood exports, for one year. 

The actions we’ve taken have been focused on keeping our supply chains moving. 

Providing certainty where we can, in globally uncertain times. 

And ensuring industry can continue to seize new opportunities.  

Because we know local demand for seafood continues to grow. 

Aquaculture continues to expand internationally. 

Australia has one of the largest marine jurisdictions in the world. 

We have world-class science, highly skilled operators and a strong reputation for quality and sustainability. 

The question before us is how we ensure Australia’s seafood sector is well positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. 

That is why the work being undertaken through the Futures of Seafood Project is so important. 

The industry-led roadmap being launched as part of this project provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. 

I want to acknowledge the significant contribution of everyone involved in that work. 

It’s a project the Albanese Labor Government has been proud to back, with an investment of nearly half a million dollars. 

We’ll, of course, continue to work with you as this project progresses. 

With substantial work already underway across Government that aligns with many of the themes being explored through the Futures of Seafood Project. 

This includes our action to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. 

Illegal fishing undermines legitimate operators, damages marine resources and threatens confidence in seafood markets. 

Through our 2026–27 Budget, we’re investing $55 million to address border and biosecurity threats associated with illegal foreign fishing activities in Australia’s northern waters. 

This funding supports the continued presence of the Australian Border Force and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority in the region, along with prosecution and legal support activities. 

Importantly, $3 million of this funding was provided directly to AFMA. 

But tackling illegal fishing is not simply a domestic challenge. 

It is a regional challenge. 

That is why Australia continues to work closely with neighbouring countries through joint surveillance activities, information sharing and capacity-building programs. 

The Government is also taking further action to strengthen seafood traceability and keep illegally sourced seafood out of Australia. 

From 1 July 2026, hospitality businesses across Australia have been required to identify seafood as Australian, imported or mixed origin on their menus. 

I know many of you here have advocated for this for a long time. 

These changes will provide consumers with clearer information and greater confidence about the seafood they choose to buy. 

The Government is also supporting innovation and growth opportunities across the seafood sector. 

Which is why I am pleased to outline some of the practical steps that my Department will undertake to support the future growth and sustainability of Australia’s seafood sector. 

Working with partners including CSIRO, my Department will utilise and adapt existing modelling systems to better understand where Australia’s most productive seafood areas are now and where they are likely to be in the future. 

This work will consider changing environmental conditions and future climate scenarios. 

It will help identify areas that are productive, sustainable, accessible and capable of supporting long-term seafood production. 

This work is not about restricting where existing operators fish or exposing commercially sensitive fishing information. 

It is about improving our understanding of Australia’s ocean resources and helping guide future investment decisions based on evidence. 

Globally, aquaculture now accounts for almost 60 per cent of seafood production. 

Australia already produces more than 40 commercially farmed species and has developed a reputation for premium, high-value seafood products. 

Through consultation, we will seek views on the future vision for aquaculture. 

This consultation will help ensure future policy development is informed by science, industry, and community perspectives. 

Together, these initiatives will help build the foundations for future investment and growth. 

They will support evidence-based decision making. 

They will improve understanding of our marine environment. 

And they will help position Australia’s seafood sector to seize future opportunities while maintaining the high sustainability standards that Australians expect. 

This work is a clear signal that the Albanese Labor Government backs Australia’s seafood sector. 

And the timing for this work is important. 

The seafood sector is navigating a period of significant change. 

Climate impacts, competing ocean uses and evolving market conditions are reshaping the operating environment. 

At the same time, industry-led initiatives such as Futures of Seafood, and ongoing research and development initiatives led by organisations such as the FRDC, are generating valuable new knowledge and ideas. 

The work my Department is undertaking is well-aligned with some of those ideas. 

It will support investment grounded in science. 

It will explore ways to improve confidence and certainty for seafood businesses. 

And it will help unlock opportunities for growth while supporting sustainability and food security outcomes. 

Looking ahead, ABARES forecasts fisheries and aquaculture production value will reach $3.9 billion in 2026-27. 

That growth will be supported by strong performance in key sectors including rock lobster and salmon aquaculture. 

Those figures demonstrate the strength and resilience of Australia’s seafood industry. 

But the future success of the sector will depend on our ability to work together. 

Industry, researchers, communities, state and territory governments, and the Commonwealth. 

We recognise the importance of the seafood sector. 

We recognise the challenges you face. 

And we recognise the opportunities that lie ahead. 

The Government is committed to being a constructive partner in that effort. 

Committed to supporting sustainable seafood production. 

Committed to supporting regional jobs and communities. 

Committed to strengthening food security. 

We’re also committed to helping Australia’s seafood sector thrive into the future. 

Thank you, and I look forward to continuing the conversation with you.