Change to demersal fishing ban compensation after only seven fishers compensated, class action launched
PerthNow
A class action is launched after only seven of an estimated 60 commercial fishers were compensated following a nine‑month demersal fishing ban.Summary
The State Government imposed a permanent demersal fishing ban between Kalbarri and Augusta in January and pledged $20 million to compensate commercial fishers, but after nine months only seven of an estimated 60 fishers have been paid. A class action lawsuit has been filed by affected fishers, including Phil De Grauw, who say the compensation amounts are far below market value and ignore lost earnings, while the government says negotiations are now led by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis and the Department of Primary Industries with valuation experts, and industry groups warn the prolonged process harms mental health and financial stability.
(Source：PerthNow)