Release Of Terms Of Reference For Fisheries Management Inquiry

The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham, today released his Terms of Reference for the Fisheries Inquiry. The inquiry will address the allegations made regarding fisheries management, particularly in relation to the Scampi fishery.

Mr Wintringham said his inquiry would have the goal of sustaining public confidence in fisheries management.

"It will therefore focus closely on the performance of the former Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the current Ministry of Fisheries, in relation to the scampi fishery. It will not deal with the appropriateness of fisheries legislation or Government fisheries policy," he said.

Ms Helen Cull, QC, and a State Services Deputy Commissioner, David Smyth, will conduct the inquiry.

Mr Wintringham said he has asked that the inquiry process get under way as soon as possible.

"Any individual, or organisation, who considers they have information which is directly relevant to the inquiry's Terms of Reference should advise the Inquiry's Executive Officer of the nature of their interest, on or before 29 November 2002.

"If an individual or organisation has a relevant interest, they will be asked to attend an initial meeting in early December. This meeting will enable the reviewers to discuss and determine the rules under which the inquiry process will be conducted and arrange the dates for hearings.

"Parties who present to the reviewers will be required to answer questions under oath. The hearings will not be open to the public and there will be no public comments on the inquiry whilst it is under way. The report and recommendations will be publicly released.

"The inquiry is expected to be completed early next year," Mr Wintringham said.

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