Mon, 12 July 2004

The Chief Executive of the Ministry of Fisheries, Warwick Tuck, wishes to advise media that the Ministry has today provided written advice to the Minister of Fisheries on the management of the health and safety risks of assault against Fishery Officers. This includes its consideration of the possible future use of defensive equipment and options to improve the working environment of Fishery Officers.

The Ministry has completed what is, in effect, the first stage of consideration of this matter. It has assessed the matter from a fisheries point of view, and in particular has been concerned to ensure the safety and protection of its staff.

The provision of defensive equipment has, however, wider implications than fisheries management, and these second stage considerations are a matter for the Government, as they have public and whole-of-Government implications.

It should be noted that this matter involves substantive policy and potentially legislative issues and is therefore a matter that is going to take time to resolve.

The Minister will, no doubt, indicate the process and timetable in due course.

ENDS

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