November 1, 2007

Australia's dangles AUS$14 million electoral promise to seafood sector

Australia's Liberal Party has promised a AUS$14 million (US$13 million) package to boost the country's seafood industry if re-elected. 

Fisheries Minister Eric Abetz says if re-elected the Government will introduce six initiatives to assist the industry.

The Liberal Party has held power in the federal government since 1996 and governs in its traditional coalition with the National Party.

In state politics, as of 2002, the Liberals have been in opposition in all six Australian States and two mainland territories, according to  Wikipedia.

The party's current federal leader and Prime Minister John Howard will be contesting the 2007 federal election on 24 November for a fifth consecutive term as Prime Minister of Australia.

The AUS$14 million incentive to the seafood sector includes a US$10 million (US$9.3 million)  initiative to increase farmed seafood production and AUS $4 million (US$3.7 million) to boost sales of eco-friendly ocean produce.

Senator Abetz says it is important to maximise the industry's productivity.

The seafood sector is worth AUS $2.2 billion to the Australian economy and employs  thousands of people right around the Australian coastline, he said.