ACT pulls support for Kermadecs bill

ACT has pulled its support for the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill due to the Government’s failure to acknowledge the existing property rights of fishing operators.

“This Bill amounts to an uncompensated regulatory taking, likely to cause real harm to the livelihoods of those in the fishing industry,” says ACT Leader David Seymour. “Existing operators, both Maori and non-Maori, should be compensated for their losses at the very least, if not consulted before the fact.

“The Prime Minister has even admitted that the bill won’t protect fish as most commercial species are migratory - they can be caught once they leave the sanctuary. What it will do is cause enormous logistical difficulty for fishers.

“Nick Smith argues it’s okay because fishing in the area has been on a small scale. ACT disagrees. It’s okay to pick on the little guys just because they’re the little guys.

“ACT is not opposed to marine sanctuaries – we just expect acknowledgement of existing property rights. Property rights used to be in National’s party principles. Now, the party’s website doesn’t mention them.”

ENDS

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