The Queensland Government can create 50 sustainable, long-term jobs in Queensland overnight, Rockhampton-based Senator Matt Canavan said today.

“The Palaszczuk Government can reverse its decision to ban 50 fishing families from earning a living net-fishing in the Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns regions,” Senator Canavan said.
 
“Labor has suddenly discovered there’s a jobs problem above the Tropic of Capricorn but made it worse by effectively shutting down 50 small business operators running successful net-fishing operations.
 
“When the three-month spawning-season fishing closure* ends next Monday, the State Government should allow these operators to resume fishing as usual and help create employment in three cities that desperately need it.
 
“Those net-fishing operations provided income for the owners and their families, as well as deckhands and employees of related businesses like ice-makers, gear suppliers, and seafood wholesalers and retailers.”