National Fishing Advisory Council

Purpose

The purpose of the National Fishing Advisory Council (NFAC) is to provide the Australian Government Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry with information and advice on fisheries and aquaculture issues and associated national level legislation and policies.

NFAC’s key role is to provide information and advice from a cross-section of sectorial participants on contemporary issues affecting Australia’s seafood community – Indigenous, wild-catch, aquaculture, recreational and post-harvest sectors – particularly with regard to Commonwealth fisheries.

NFAC does not represent the sole mechanism for engagement and consultation with government on fisheries and aquaculture matters.

Scope

NFAC will provide advice, specific to the responsibilities of the minister, on:

• emerging issues facing Australia’s Indigenous, commercial and recreational fishing sectors
• initiatives to foster investment, growth and sustainability
• strategic priorities.

Role of the Fisheries Minister

The minister will attend meetings where possible and may appoint a proxy. Liaison with the minister will be through the NFAC Secretariat, unless otherwise advised. The Chair of NFAC will provide a summary report to the Minister following each meeting.

The minister has discretion to review and amend these Terms of Reference at any time.

Role of the chair

The chair will be independent of any one particular sector or interests and will be determined by the minister. The chair will be responsible for:

• presiding at all meetings and, with the support of the secretariat, ensuring the business of the meeting proceeds effectively
• reporting on NFAC’s deliverables to the Australian Government, as required, and
• coordinating a position on key issues.

Membership

In addition to the chair, there will be up to 12 members of NFAC. Members will be appointed by the minister for their expertise, understanding of fisheries and aquaculture issues, geographic representation and ability to consider the long-term interests of the industry.

Members, including the Chair, can be appointed for a term of up to three years. Members, including the Chair, may be reappointed.

Membership is on a voluntary basis and does not create a relationship of employment or agency between participants and the Commonwealth.

Secretariat support

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will provide secretariat support including:

• liaising with the minister, chair and participants to identify meeting dates
• preparing and distributing meeting notices and agendas within agreed timeframes
• ensuring each meeting has an effective agenda
• recording and distributing a summary of each meeting as soon as practical after each meeting, and
• making travel arrangements for members where required.

Member and meeting protocols

Confidentiality – NFAC business is to remain confidential. This does not preclude members from discussing key matters with their constituents, however the confidentiality of deliberations during meetings should be maintained.

Conduct – Members will conduct themselves with respect and integrity, and respect the diversity of views of all participants. To ensure development of relationships and continuity of discussions and knowledge, Members who miss more than two consecutive meetings should reconsider their ability to effectively participate and their membership.

Meeting frequency – NFAC will meet up as required, to discuss targeted issues (and where appropriate in conjunction with industry conferences and forums).

Expected lifespan and review

NFAC will continue to operate until 30 October 2026 when the department will review the performance of the forum and provide advice to the Minister.

Other matters

NFAC members will be required to abide by all agreed conditions of appointment.