BOB_SMITH

Preferences in NSW Election The last NSW State election (2003) saw OPTIONAL preferences for the first time. The method of voting for the Legislative Assembly (your local member) is optional preferential. This means that to cast a formal vote, the elector must place the number ‘1’ in the square next to their first choice candidate. They then have the ‘option’ to show further preferences by placing the number ‘2’ in the square next to their second choice candidate, the number ‘3’ next to their third choice and so on. They may number as many or as few squares as they wish This means that you personally have to place where you want your vote to go after your number one (1) initial vote for the person (L/Assembly) This means that that there is NO box to just place 1 and then leave the allocation of preference deals to the political party wheeling and dealing Legislative Council-Upper House-Senate You are able to vote 2 ways here- Remember winning the Upper House does not give a party government but gives a chance for small/single issue/other party’s to have a say and bring issues into the parliamentary system for debate, and depending on how big or small the majority is the crossbenchers can determine policy. TFP will ensure FISHING is a regular topic if they get the nod. The Upper House voting is done as ‘Optional Preferential Proportional’. That means that you can vote above the line or below the line Above the line: There will be groups of candidates of 15 -21 across the voting paper with a party/group name and box to number each above the line. A voter can place his 1st preference (1) in a group box of his choice. That means his preferences flow down to each one of those 15-21 candidates after the top candidate gets a quota. A voter may place the number 2 in another group box above the line where preferences flow again down that list and then 3 in another and so on Below the line: A voter may choose to vote below the line and for a formal vote a minimum of numbers 1 to 15 must be made in candidate boxes anywhere below the line. A voter may keep allocating his/her preferences further with the number 16 and so on for as many candidates as they wish. A political party cannot physically deliver preferences to any other party as what happens in Federal elections where every formal vote counts. If you choose to only vote the minimum numbers in NSW election then your vote expires when the last of your candidates are knocked out of the ballot. Your vote may have already helped in a candidate being elected. Party’s such as TFP can only indicate on their How To Vote handout how the party would prefer you to vote. It is your choice of who you number. We have opted to direct our supporters to the Coalition but you may choose Labor. We do recommend or better still PLEA that you vote greens LAST or even not at all TFP is still keen to talk with any interested candidates for the Central Coast area and we have a few spots left on our 15 plus Upper House ticket. For a cost of $250 nomination fee and a couple of hundred for some HTV cards you might just make a difference. TFP will supply the signs to display. You do not have to be a member of TFP to do this. Why not have a go and get some mates to help, there is plenty to campaign and complain about in NSW above and beyond fishing related stuff. Vote 1 TFP and then your choice is pretty simple

The Fishing Party A.B.N: 76 086 236 465 HEAD OFFICE (Federal, NSW State) 11Watts Close SINGLETON HEIGHTS NSW 2330 Ph/fax 0265 560338 0432252789 Email: sinali@optusnet.com.au www.thefishingparty.info January 9, 2007 The Fishing Party Election agenda Circular to the fishing community, clubs and general public. THE FISHING PARTY (NSW)- POLITICAL FISHING STATEMENT AND POSITION ON MARINE PARKS The Fishing Party:- • Is an independent political party. • Will support and campaign total access rights for low impact sustainable fishing. • Will encourage and protect customary and traditional use of the marine resource. • Will address and campaign on a centre line approach to fisheries management/legislation and (Marine Protected Area’s if proven to be needed). • Opposes the current/proposed NSW Government Marine Park No-Fishing Zones. • Will call for a 20 year moratorium on MPA’s, demanding properly funded localised research and all existing zones declared general use. • Will demand proper stakeholder consultation and participation in the process. • Will consider no-take fishing zones only if no other action is appropriate. • Condemns the Labor/Greens Marine Park deal. • Is campaigning politically to end the NSW Labor 12 year lockout agenda on both the land and water. • Will continue to oppose any extremist anti-fishing agenda. • Supports the $%^&* proposals in principal but not limited to, and will participate in their actions if sanctioned. • Supports in principal, the Coalition Marine Park Election announcement (written one) but not limited to. • Will liaise with the major parties with sensible fishery management propositions. • Will support evidenced based science conservation and dismiss emotional rhetoric. • Will endeavor to get proper and fair funding for fisheries management. • Will put our ideas in submissions when they are called. • Will discuss and put relevant matters to Government Ministers. • Will keep the public informed on important findings and research. • Will support appropriate Government funded buyouts to the commercial fishing industry on a state-wide basis. • Will support Total Allowable Catches from a science perspective. • Will support seasonal closures on a science biomass evaluation. • Will support the business community for compensation in times of Government controlled business denial through lock-up actions. • Will push for environmental reform on water quality and quantity. The Fishing Party has a political commitment to make and is not a lobby group, having no cause to conflict with any such group who is determined to alert or debate sensible fishing related issues with the government of the day. The party has the sole intention to get representatives elected into the parliamentary systems of Australia to gain bargaining power on any legislation along with the marine resource decisions, access and management and standing up for family values on everything else. Marine parks with no-take zones lacking in evidence based local science and research, major environmental problems of water quality and quantity, lack of supporting infrastructure such as ramps, parking, wash-downs, public access and proper resource funding along with family value issues are campaign platforms for any prospective candidate either in the House of Reps or the Senate (still a few spots left on our 15+ ticket). There is a need to combat the green dominance of political manipulation which can only be achieved at the voting box and threats to politicians of loosing their seat or governance. The party is trying to offer this in calling for candidates to stand in the 55 Labor electorates as the threat and for a chance to get some representation in the important Upper House where the Greens get their power to make deals. One or even two TFP representatives would be an absolute threat. The Greens are after a fourth representative in John Kaye for the Senate to further upset the balance. This MUST not happen if you want to remain enjoying and accessing the outdoors. In the last election TFP promised that if elected the first priority would be to commit to a stakeholder group/committee/board to formulate actions to be taken in the Upper House/Lower house so as to give directions to the member to proceed with. That promise is still the first priority from TFP. The Fishing Party is backing a change of government at this stage to halt the anti-fishing/lack of research and funding process. There are no hidden agendas with TFP and it is entirely up to the NSW constituents to decide their future but we think 12 years of failings, deceit, lies, inaction by an arrogant Labor should be halted for the sake of NSW and give the other side a go. That means that a vote TFP will be optionally directed to the Coalition. This coming March 2007 NSW Election will see many Crossbenchers (Independent and Party) in the Upper House depart politics. With major parties controlled by the Greens it will be a fiasco and whether you are on the land or sea you will be restricted further. Please don’t let it happen. The below seats are Labor held, where we see anglers as a valuable threat in political terms. The Greens are standing in all 93 seats and Labor needs them so a vote for the greens is a vote for Labor which also means more bad news for the fishing and recreational communities. Auburn, Balmain, Bankstown, Bathurst, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Cabramatta, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury, Cessnock, Charlestown, Coogee, Drummoyne, East Hills, Fairfield, Granville, Heathcote, Heffron, Wollongong, Keira, Kiama, Kogarah, Lake Macquarie, Lakemba, Liverpool, Londonderry, Macq Fields Maitland, Maroubra, Marrickville, Menai, Miranda, Monaro, Mount Druitt, Mulgoa, Newcastle, Oatley, Parramatta, Gosford, Penrith, Port Stephens, Riverstone, Rockdale, Ryde, Shellharbour, Smithfield, Strathfield, Swansea, The Entrance Toongabbie, Tweed, Wallsend, Wollondilly, Wyong VOTE 1 The Fishing Party and direct your preferences so Labor or the Greens fail to get them. We are still Interested in prospective candidates (you don’t have to be a member) please contact Robert Smith in the strictest of confidentiality until otherwise directed. TFP is seeking new members/donations and volunteers to help at polling booths on Election Day, CAN YOU OR YOUR GROUP HELP. TFP signs and How to Vote handouts will be available. Put a sign on your boat and park out front of booths- any help will be appreciated. A list of the booths will be available on www.thefishingparty.info Authorised by Robert Smith Chairman

Further to this post TFP is fully registered with the NSW Electoral Commission and all systems are go for the upcoming March 24 election. More info about the AEC can be found at 2 on the TFP Home page. Regarding the NSW election we are still interested in talking to prospective candidates for the Labor held Sydney and surrounds especially around Botany Bay (Rockdale, Kogarah, Maroubra, Miranda, Heathcote etc and the Harbour (Balmain, Ryde, Auburn, Parramatta, Drummoyne. Plenty of campaign topics > Dioxins, ramps, parking, weed, sewage, siltation, ACCESS and land based fishing spots. The Central Coast has Terrigal, Wyong, Gosford, The Entrance. There is still some spots in our 15 plus Senate ticket available also. Any interest time is running out to make a protest. Contact Bob Smith with the strictest of confidentiality. Bob Smith

Notice of TFP Federal Party Deregistration and re-registration for members. The Fishing Party remains an entity whether registered or not, having the capacity to stand candidates in any federal election but not with the comforts of a registered party. We have duly re-applied for Party re-registration under the AEC rules and are awaiting the application to be dealt with. Member names from NSW, Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and WA have been submitted in our application. The Australian Electoral Commission WILL be contacting sample members for verification of membership. Please reply with that verification ASAP so the party can again have registration status. The following is extracted from the AEC website information Deregistration of Political Parties 22 December 2006 On 22 December 2006, the delegate of the Australian Electoral Commission wrote to the following political parties to advise them they would be deregistered on 27 December 2006, as required by Schedule 3 of the Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Electoral Integrity and Other Measures) Act 2006 : Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) Citizens Electoral Council of Australia Citizens Electoral Council of Australia (NSW Division) Help End Marijuana Prohibition Hope Party – ethics equality ecology liberals for forests New Country Party No Goods and Services Tax Party Non-Custodial Parents Party One Nation Queensland Division One Nation Western Australia People Power Progressive Labour Party Queensland Greens Republican Party of Australia Socialist Alliance The Australian Shooters Party The Fishing Party The Great Australians The legislation, which commenced on 22 June 2006, provided for the automatic deregistration of all currently registered political parties six months after its Royal Assent, that is on 27 December 2006, with exceptions for parties that: • have a member in the current Commonwealth Parliament and have been reviewed by the Australian Electoral Commission as being eligible for registration during the life of the current Parliament; or • had a member elected to a previous Commonwealth Parliament and by 25 September 2006 submitted a successful claim for exemption from deregistration on that basis with the required evidence in support. Any political party that is deregistered may re-apply for registration, and must comply with the current requirements in the Electoral Act, including the naming provisions. Political parties that re-apply for registration within 12 months of Royal Assent will not be required to pay the $500 application fee. Further information on this process can be obtained by contacting the party: Intending NEW MEMBERS please download forms at www.thefishingparty.info Bob Smith

If anybody is into major research and wants to go blind then TFP has a link to the Australian Government PORTAL of 29,233 reports, extracts, studies and links to everything you probably don't have the time to know. From tadpoles to the Antarctic, marine reports to the CSIRO, water, weather, pollution, marine parks and commercial/indigenous fishing, air quality to washing machines to air conditioning. Relevant to your state, territory or island. It's endless see> http://www.thefishingparty.info/ -----Homepage or under Research & links Bob Smith

This report from the Federal Minister makes a mockery of the MPA process too. The Marine Park Act allows for mining and gas etc if passed by parliament > Marine protected areas allow for industry exploration: Campbell The federal Environment Minister has moved to assure the resources industry the Government's long-term planning for its marine protected areas has room for exploration. One area takes in the Western Australian south coastal waters off Esperance and Albany. Senator Ian Campbell says the plan will help conserve important ocean life and give greater certainty for marine industries. Earlier this year, an overseas company announced plans to explore the previously uncharted waters off Esperance and Albany for oil and gas. Although the area falls within the earmarked marine conservation area, Mr Campbell says the waters are zoned multiple use which allows for exploration drilling. Bob Smith

Ross The Coalition have promised that the zonings in ALL marine parks in NSW will be revised if they are elected. I would feel pretty confident that a party that has been in the doghouse/doldrums for 12 years would want to stay elected if given the chance, they would also want to keep rec fishos on side. I also feel confident that rec FISHERMEN and TFP (if we get someone in the Upper House) would have major imput to that revision. There would be no deal with the greens that did not support rec fishing and boating access. The legislation that existed prior to zonings was quite sufficient to have a well managed marine resource so that needs revisiting as a first priority. Unfortunately it has developed into a political bunfight and state Labor (that is Iemma, Debus and Macdonald can take the blame) and unfortunately it has to be settled at the ballot box to make these arrogant bastards realise the importance of our fishing. There is no other way so lets just do it. You can kick my bum later. Quotes like this worry me too when changes can be seen as election sweeteners> "Bruce Schumacher, the Chair of the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, said “he was very pleased that the Minister for Fisheries has listened to the concerns of anglers and has negotiated changes to the original draft plan that are far more acceptable to recreational fishers.” I sincerely hope that Bruce and any advisory member are TOTALLY pissed of at the whole MP deal, not that they would bite the hand that feeds them (well). Bob Smith

For those of you who think the Marine Parks are to be reviewed AFTER 5 years as the Minister has stated have been misled or the Minister has told you lies. The Marine Park Act says different The Act gives the Minister more power than God and he can change anything he likes whenever he likes if he has the MAJORITY in parliament. This means that 17.5% Sanctuary zones (before the election) can be changed or increased to whatever the political advantage will bring MARINE PARKS ACT 1997 - SECT 26A Annual review of operational plan for marine park 26A Annual review of operational plan for marine park (1) The advisory committee for a marine park may review the operational plan for the marine park every 12 months to determine whether or not the plan is effective and is being satisfactorily implemented. (2) The advisory committee must forward a report on the outcome of the review to the relevant Ministers, the Authority and the Advisory Council as soon as practicable after its completion. (3) The report is to include any recommendations of the advisory committee as to how the operational plan could be made more effective or could be better implemented MARINE PARKS ACT 1997 - SECT 26B Review of operational plan for marine park 26B Review of operational plan for marine park (1) The Authority is to commence to conduct a review of the operational plan for each marine park before the expiration of the period of 5 years after the adoption of the operational plan. (2) If the Authority considers that significant changes have been made to the zoning plan for a marine park (as referred to in section 16), the Authority is to commence to conduct a review of the operational plan for the marine park as soon as practicable after the making of the regulation containing those changes. (3) The Authority is to cause public notice to be given of a proposed review under this section. (4) The notice is: (a) to invite submissions to be made within the period specified in the notice (being a period of not less than 3 months after the date of the notice), and ( to specify the address to which such submissions are to be forwarded. (5) In conducting the review, the Authority is to consider any submissions made within the period specified for that purpose in the notice or such further period as the Authority allows. (6) The Authority must forward a report on the outcome of the review to the relevant Ministers, the Advisory Council and the relevant advisory committee within 3 months after the expiration of the period allowed under this section for the making of submissions in respect of the review. _________________ Bob Smith

News release issued to most NSW Media this morning from TFP> The Fishing Party A.B.N: 76 086 236 465 HEAD OFFICE (Federal, NSW State) 11Watts Close SINGLETON HEIGHTS NSW 2330 Ph/fax 0265 560338 0432252789 Email: sinali@optusnet.com.au www.thefishingparty.info 14-Dec-06 Port Stephens (Political) Marine Park Announced. Sustainable recreational fishing, its associated tourism, businesses, sea change retirees and holiday makers are being unduly penalized in favor of green driven emotional rhetoric with these unnecessary Marine Park Empire announcements. The green groups denounce the parks and zonings but offer no real local scientific evidence for the closures so it smacks of political pressure and political deals to a Labor party desperate for re-election in a state of disarray. Surely the fishing communities can see through this charade of over-use of the precautionary principal and the hypocrisy of an out of control Labor Government. All the recreational community wanted to see in this whole Park process was the proof that sanctuary zones are really needed and that the marine species they target were in such a decline that lock up zones are the only way to resolve the problem if it existed. None of which can be explained by either the Labor Government, its Ministers or the demanding conservationists. Robert Smith, The Fishing Party chairman stated that the fishing communities need to be aware that the fishing park zoning announcements whether they have 20%, 17% or any amount of sanctuaries are just the start of future massive lock out areas. It has to be remembered that no Marine Protected Area boundary has ever become smaller. The Fishing Party supports and welcomes the NSW Coalition commitment of if they are elected at least the zoning boundaries will be rehashed in a more open and scientific based consultation program. There needs to be site specific reasons for any fishing ban to take place. Further information contact Robert Smith: Contact as above. Press release from the MPA website > Media release Thursday, 14 December 2006 Port Stephens – Great LakesMarine Park Zoning Plan out today State Plan Priority E4: Better outcomes for native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways The final zone plan for the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park achieves a sensible and balanced outcome for the local community and the environment, Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald said today. The Minister unveiled the long awaited plan at Port Stephens this morning. Mr Macdonald said that under the zone plan: Keen anglers will retain access to key parts of Broughton Island and Little beach, both popular spots with locals and visitors; Commercial fishers can continue to harvest pippis off Yagon beach, with improved access to Smiths Lake that will ensure fresh quality local seafood is still available; and The grey nurse shark will benefit with significantly increased protection at important aggregation sites such as The Pinnacle, Seal Rocks and Broughton Island. “The plan will provide good environmental outcomes, while maintaining quality fishing and other recreational opportunities for all,” Mr Macdonald said. “It’s important to remember that more than 80% of this park will remain open to recreational fishing once the zones come into effect next March. Park users will have the summer period to become familiar with the new zoning arrangements Minister Macdonald said there had been an exhaustive consultation process which helped shaped the final zoning plan. “This involved more than 130 stakeholder meetings during the last 12 months, most of those in Port Stephens, Seal Rocks and Forster,” the Minister said. “Approximately 43,000 drafts of the zoning plan were sent out and over 4,300 submissions were received. It is pleasing to see the local community having such a strong input into the development of the park to help ensure there was a sensible outcome.” Bruce Schumacher, the Chair of the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, said “he was very pleased that the Minister for Fisheries has listened to the concerns of anglers and has negotiated changes to the original draft plan that are far more acceptable to recreational fishers.” Mr Macdonald said the Port Stephens area is well known for its beautiful waterways and coastal attractions. “This area is home to some of the best recreational fishing on our coast, and has an extensive tourism industry based around its extensive estuaries and offshore islands,” he said. “Recreational fishing brings in over $10 million a year to the area and Port Stephens is also home to the biggest game fishing tournament in Australia, one of the biggest in the world. “The good news is these benefits will continue, as the Port Stephen-Great Lakes Marine Park will truly be a multi-use park.” Minister for the Environment, Bob Debus said there are excellent tourism opportunities in the park with the dolphin watching industry one of the best on offer, and is worth more than $5 million each year. “The Member for Port Stephens John Bartlett has also been a staunch campaigner for the marine park over many years and it’s pleasing to see his efforts come to fruition today,” Mr Debus said. “Mr Bartlett should be commended for his efforts and I know the Labor Candidate for Port Stephens Mr Jim Arneman has also taken a very keen interest in the Park. “In fact, I understand he met with Minister Macdonald’s office within days of becoming a new candidate to receive a detailed briefing on the consultation process.” The Iemma Government has committed $10 million to buy out commercial fishing effort in the park to give effect to the zoning arrangements, with the buy outs expected to be finalised early next year. The park will be reviewed in 5 years time, and the maps of the new zoning plan will be available today at the Marine Parks Authority website and local DPI and DEC offices in the coming weeks. An extensive education program will be carried out with the community prior to the new zoning rules coming in to place in March 2007. Media Contact: Jamie Gibson 0408 961 367

It's here Check the MPA website later today for details www.mpa.nsw.gov.au The Newcastle Herald has a front page summary The green groups had a pre-release copy? WHY and they are unhappy> http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1811282.htm Bob Smith

Hi all This is the latest announcement on Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park. Should be enough to convince anybody about the political strategy> http://forster.yourguide.com.au/home.asp?mast_id=45 Wouldn't want to many holiday fishing tourists P$%^%d off just before an election Could be happening at Batemans also Bob Smith

I'm afraid most fishermen are not shooters and there is 1 million of them in NSW. History shows that the Shooters have voted with the government on fishing matters since Mr JT was elected Sorry but they have had 12 years of that so it is time to give TFP a go. TFP can vote on shooting matters if they get the chance and still oppose the greens on appropriate and supporter base matters. Bob Smith Chairman The Fishing Party

Ross Read all your site- many hrs fishing there. Agree with all you say. I have promoted it and linked up on TFP. These thoughts must be relayed to the wider fishing general public and that's one million of them in NSW at every chance. Thanks for support of TFP. Bob Smith PS The greens slipped a bit in Vic election. The inner city greens (where their power comes from) are blinded by extremist propaganda which is different to everybody else being green. TFP matched them or better in the four seats they supported in the last Qld election so we DO have a potential if the message is relayed out.

For anybody who might need a future helicopter in their fishing activities or at a time of bladder weakness while rockclimbing in high heels you might like to listen to this- Ray Hadley (35 minutes) on how the NSW government is transparent.- Could another Minister be in the firing line Scroll to 24th Nov session and listen or double click and save for later http://www.2gb.com/index.php?option=com_co...&Itemid=276 Bob Smith

Daniel Getting someone elected is only half the effort. The supporters need to be involved throughout the important part of representation so I hope TFP is seen as being more than just a protest vehicle against Marine Parks. ie Being part of the interaction of duties and not whinge from the bar stool and also I(if it's me) would hate to be a fishing representative and cop the wrath of fishos for not being up to it. There needs to be a good understanding of the effort and commitment put into this exercise so far. AND that is unpaid commitment I might add. The TFP idea started in 2000 and it is only now that the fishing community has realised that the NIMBY effect is real. I would envisage having localised groups or branches being formed as part of all this and also getting appropriate fishing representatives on all the different advisory committees. Also we are all greenies at heart on a lot of matters but that being extreme and radical causes the major anti-green sentiments and not just from anglers. The biggest danger I see is whether or not TFP can get their message out to the potential supporters without costing an arm and a leg. The MP issue won't be going away before the March election. We trust that TFP aims are being talked about and spread by word of mouth in the fishing media and columns. Bob Smith

The single issue should not be a problem and does not need to have statewide support. The Senate candidate of any party only needs approx 175,000 1st preference votes out of 3.9 million to get a first up spot of the 21 seats. The government rests with the House of Reps and that will either be Labor or the Coalition. Your quote> Creating marine parks and the like isn't going to take precedence over taxes, water, roads, education, health, employment etc. is certainly correct to form government but the Senate is a place to review ALL legislation including FISHING. What party does this for you. Also with having organised and united SINGLE issues campaigning in the Lower House seats it draws attention to some decisions. It has taken the greens 15 years to attract the attention they are getting now. Why? Their policies would bankrupt Australia and there wouldn't be enough caves to live in let alone being able to go back spearing fish or some other meal if they were in government. Extreme thinking yes but quite real. Whether TFP is seen as single issue or not the potential of being in the system far outweighs being negative and besides you can always give your 2nd preference to the party that you want to rule your life meaning if TFP is knocked out your vote is not wasted. Bob Smith

Hi Dave/all There has been numerous back room chats and assumptions promoted about TFP. For those that know me or have been associated with me during my "time and dedicated commitment to fishing in general" always get a bit of a laugh out of it all. It mostly reflects back on me whatever is said. TFP has been white-anted (and still is) as being a front for Labor, a stooge for the Libs/Nats, an undercover Green, a front for the commercial fishing industry, one of Malcolm Jones's underhanded political party's and an offshoot of One Nation (no mention of religion yet) along with having numerous other wild agendas. One thing is that we do support the principals of a newly formed lobby group and our meetings with the NSW Coalition have us supporting their way with fishing matters. It seems you are damned if you are, and damned if you are not, a single issue party. Fishing is the issue and in association with (Family Values that branch of in many other directions) is why this all happened. Some say any different than that then it would have been just a simple task of joining one of the major party's and becoming a party liner. NOT ON The following is a political statement made for the coming state election The Fishing Party A.B.N: 76 086 236 465 HEAD OFFICE (Federal) 11Watts Close SINGLETON HEIGHTS NSW 2330 Ph/fax 0265 560338 0432252789 Email: sinali@optusnet.com.au www.thefishingparty.info August 15, 2006 THE FISHING PARTY (NSW)- POLITICAL FISHING STATEMENT AND POSITION ON MARINE PARKS The Fishing Party:- • Is an independent political party. • Will support and campaign total access rights for low impact sustainable fishing. • Will encourage and protect customary and traditional use of the marine resource. • Will address and campaign on a centre line approach to fisheries management/legislation and (Marine Protected Area’s if proven to be needed). • Opposes the current/proposed NSW Government Marine Park No-Fishing Zones. • Will call for a 20 year moratorium on MPA’s, demanding properly funded localised research and all existing zones declared general use. • Will demand proper stakeholder consultation and participation in the process. • Will consider no-take fishing zones only if no other action is appropriate. • Condemns the Labor/Greens Marine Park deal. • Is campaigning politically to end the NSW Labor 10 year lockout agenda on both the land and water. • Will continue to oppose the Greens and extremist’s anti-fishing agenda. • Supports the newly formed lobby group proposals in principal but not limited to, and will participate in their actions if sanctioned. • Supports in principal, the Coalition Marine Park Election announcement (written one) but not limited to. • Will liaise with the major parties with sensible fishery management propositions. • Will support evidenced based science conservation and dismiss emotional rhetoric. • Will endeavor to get proper and fair funding for fisheries management. • Will put our ideas in submissions when they are called. • Will discuss and put relevant matters to Government Ministers. • Will keep the public informed on important findings and research. • Will support appropriate Government funded buyouts to the commercial fishing industry on a state-wide basis. • Will support Total Allowable Catches from a science perspective. • Will support seasonal closures on a science biomass evaluation. • Will support the business community for compensation in times of Government controlled business denial through lock-up actions. • Will push for environmental reform on water quality and quantity. The Fishing Party has a political commitment to make and is not a lobby group. There is a need to combat the green dominance of political manipulation which can only be achieved at the voting box and threats to politicians of loosing their seat or governance. The party is trying to offer this in calling for candidates to stand in Labor electorates as the threat and for a chance to get some representation in the important Upper House where the Greens get their power to make deals. One or even two TFP representatives would be an absolute threat. The Greens are after a fourth representative in John Kaye to further upset the balance. This MUST not happen if you want to remain enjoying and accessing the outdoors. In the last election TFP promised that if elected the first priority would be to commit to a stakeholder group/committee/board to formulate actions to be taken in the Upper House/Lower house so as to give directions to the member to proceed with. That promise is still the first priority from TFP. This coming March 2007 NSW Election will see many Crossbenchers (Independent and Party) in the Upper House depart politics. With the two major party’s under control by the Greens it will be a fiasco and whether you are on the land or sea you will be restricted further. Please don’t let it happen. VOTE 1 The Fishing Party and direct your preferences so Labor or the Greens fail to get them. Authorised by Robert Smith Chairman The Fishing Party This statement is true and correct as at the 15th August, 2006 and may be altered in the election campaign. This statement and any alterations will be displayed on the party website- www.thefishingparty.info.

The post is under Fishing News & Politics and thats where I am coming from. It's all related in understanding why fishing is in the state it's in. Iemma or anyone else needs to be able to answer questions honestly. He is the one chasing the green vote and I'll be damned to let him get it easy. Bob Smith

At the moment this is the number of the interview. These are not on the MP 3. Best of Ray Hadley 09/11/06 Part 1 Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:12:30 RAY talks with Deputy Opposition Leader BARRY O’FARRELL and Premier MORRIS IEMMA about issues plaguing the IEMMA Government. Alan Jones has done the interviews on MP's Bob Smith

All Information is at hand that says Debus has signed off on the Batemans Bay Marine Park and it has gone to Cabinet (as of last Friday) Could be Debus's last christmas present to the South Coast Lib seat before he leaves (6 sitting days left until the March 2007 election) Bob Smith

TFP is seeking prospective candidates for any Labor held electorate but there is a call for anybody interested in putting their name down for the seats of Auburn, Drummoyne, Ryde, Balmain, Parramatta, The Entrance, Terrigal. Dioxins-cleaning up Homebush Bay/safe eating of seafood, Caulerpa, public access (Wharves, Jetties etc), boat ramps and parking, clean water-sewage/runoff/siltation are all campaign material that we would expect to gain fishing media headlines around the harbors and waterways. Other local issues are optional. Mates, groups, families, clubs, individuals, sponsors would surely be helpful to get attention in this political threat. It must be realised that winning would be difficult but crikey the opportunity has never been better to make a stand. All with the strictest of confidence (unless otherwise directed) and the cost is minimal. Any takers, fishers or boaters. (Any Australian citizen, but no known paedophiles, criminal activity etc) pm me or just email to sinali@optusnet.com.au. I don't care if you talk about it on fishnet for all to partake in. (It might be a dumb idea) Bob Smith The Fishing Party

Anybody interested to hear todays interview of Ray Hadley with Morris Iemma go here > http://www.2gb.com/index.php?option=com_co...&Itemid=276 Just scroll to which ever one you want to listen to. I wonder who is next to fall and will Morris go bald. Crikey, why would you ring up for an interview. Bob Smith

The Port Stephens Examiner had an article last week called Marine Park Games- Anybody who wants to see Stinker Clarke comments here is the link Make up your own mind as I don't know to many recreational fishers that are happy > http://www.thefishingparty.info/wst_page10.html Bob Smith

Here is a media release from Minister Abetz which reflects Australia's position> The Australian Government categorically rejects claim made by northern hemisphere scientists led by Canada’s Dalhousie University that Australia’s fisheries are “set to collapse.” “The reality is Australia is a world leader in fisheries and oceans management”, Fisheries Minister Senator Eric Abetz said today. “While we obviously welcome any serious scientific contribution, instead of trying to tar us all with the same brush, these scientists should instead be singling Australia out as an example to the world of how to ensure fisheries sustainability.” For example: Under the Direction issued by the Federal Fisheries Minister, currently being implemented by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Australia has a comprehensive plan to ensure the sustainability of Commonwealth fish stocks for generations to come; Of the world’s area of marine protected areas, some one third is in Australian waters; Australia is a leading member of several Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), including leading landmark reforms at the recent 13th annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna; The Howard Government is amongst the leading nations in the world in the fight against illegal fishing, both in our own backyard and on the high seas; “Frankly, we get a bit annoyed at northern hemisphere scientists, whose fisheries management often leaves a lot to be desired, making sensationalist predictions about the state of Australian fisheries from half a world away.” “In reality, Australia’s record at oceans management is up there with the best and credit should be given where it’s due”. Further inquiries: Senator Abetz’s office: Brad Stansfield 0419 884 666 Bob Smith

Here is the link to the actual news release or study that started all this which relates to more than just fish create the problems It's always amazing how they deliberately not print all the story. More research coming up but see this for starters > http://www.fmap.ca//ramweb/media/biodivers...AlSciencePR.pdf Here is a link to read and hear media player interview with Hieke Lotze > http://abc.net.au/news/australia/nsw/newca...11/s1780209.htm Here is the heading from Nov 3 Science Mag if anybody is a member to get a copy (and send me one) ECOLOGY: Global Loss of Biodiversity Harming Ocean Bounty Erik Stokstad If a new analysis of marine ecosystems data is correct, commercial fish and seafood species may all crash by 2048. (Read more.) Bob Smith