Expanded Surveillance Powers Impact Cultural Fishing on South Coast
What happened
A NSW government proposal to grant expanded surveillance powers to fisheries officers has been criticized for potentially discriminating against Aboriginal cultural fishers on the South Coast. Furthermore, the Fisheries Management Amendment (Enforcement) Bill 2026 has not initiated the Section 21AA protections for cultural fishing, which have been dormant for 17 years. According to government figures, 58 per cent of people jailed for fisheries offenses between 2009 and 2022 were Aboriginal.
From sbs.com.au
Why it matters
Cultural fishing is described as an important source of income and is nominally protected under NSW law. Critics, including Danny Chapman of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, warn that the expanded surveillance powers could disproportionately target Aboriginal people through activities like property searches and phone tapping.
From sbs.com.au
Who's involved
- Danny ChapmanCouncillor with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council who criticized the expanded powers.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Prue Car may face pressure over cultural fishing rights on South CoastPrue Car may face pressure over cultural fishing rights on South CoastPossible
- Eurobodalla Shire may manage social fallout from cultural fishing conflictsEurobodalla Shire may face increased pressure managing social fallout from cultural fishing conflictsPossible
- Expanded surveillance powers may challenge state government's cultural fishing protectionsExpanded surveillance powers may challenge state government's cultural fishing protectionsPossible
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The entities involved
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South Coast
region of New South Wales, Australia
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Oxfam
humanitarian organization
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Department of Primary Industries
NSW State government department in Australia
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