7/29/2019 Media Release - Senator Boswell Spot on as 3rd Party Certification Undermines Role of Government and Points to

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MEDIA RELEASE

SENATOR BOSWELL SPOT ON AS 3rd

PARTY CERTIFICATION UNDERMINES ROLE

OF GOVERNMENT AND POINTS TO STRUCTURAL FAILURE

The Australian Marine Alliance (AMA) today argued that Senator Boswells recent comments over

the role being played by environmental NGOs to provide 3rd

party certification and endorsement of

key primary producers, were absolutely spot on.

Dean Logan, AMA CEO argued, We agree with Senator Boswell that 3rd

party certification is

completely unnecessary in all situations where our processes are world class and sustainable.

Many businesses already comply with literally dozens of costly accreditation programs like ISO

accreditation, SGS and HACCP and pay millions in license fees and Government charges.

Apparently though these programs are inadequate for key environmental NGOs, who now say you

need to spend thousands to comply with OUR standard or you wont be deemed sustainable.

The AMAs position is that 3rd party endorsement by environmental NGOs in key areas like

commercial fishing undermines the critical role in annual assessments of resources played by

Government agencies. Accreditation by NGOs is not independent as these same NGOs are the onesthat benefit financially from the accreditation process. 3rd party endorsement is also hugely

expensive. Thus it greatly increases prices for all seafood consumers and erodes the long-term

sustainability of small cottage based family primary producers.

Mr Logan, In our view 3rd

party endorsement points to structural policy failure. What we need to

do is transition Government agencies like AFMA back to statutory authorities, independent of both

industry and political interference.

1 March 2013

7/29/2019 Media Release - Senator Boswell Spot on as 3rd Party Certification Undermines Role of Government and Points to

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If AFMA through a rigorous scientific process deems a fishery to be fished sustainably, then

consumers can be confident in the fish they eat. The same should apply to other primary producers.

The solution is not another expensive program run by a mega environmental NGO, but rather the

old fashioned test where primary producers and consumers trusted the system, ended Mr Logan.

Australian Marine Alliance - www.australianmarinealliance.com.au

NSW | ACT | SA | NT | WA | VIC | TAS | QLD

For further media information, please contact: Dean Logan 0403 195 798