A recreational fishing sector peak body that is independent of Government aims to contribute to key consultation while providing representation and advocacy for NSW fishers and promoting growth in the sector.

Potential roles of the peak body will include providing feedback on policy and programs to government, advocacy and representation to government and the wider community, consultation, community education, and networking.

Potential industry development roles of the peak body will include member support, education, infrastructure development and working with government to create new recreational fishing opportunities.

The NSW Government has been working with key fishing representatives to develop their vision for a peak body.

A stakeholder forum was held in November 2023, attended by representatives from the tackle industry, women’s fishing groups, mental health and wellbeing experts, angling and spearfishing organisations, young and emerging fishing leaders, fishing media, fishers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the disability sector, the charter fishing industry and the existing fishing advisory groups.

Based on feedback from this initial forum, a smaller Working Group was formed through an Expression of Interest process to develop a draft model for broader consultation and drive the creation of a peak body for recreational fishing. The Working Group, with support from the stakeholder forum members, has prepared a model for a peak body.

NSW has an opportunity to learn from the experience of other states when establishing its peak body.

An independent review of the peak Victorian recreational fishing body in 2019 made a number of relevant findings and recommendations, including that:

• Diversity and regular, staged renewal of board members leads to better governance, decision making and policy outcomes.
• Board members should not specifically represent organisations, but rather have a variety of skills, interests across a range of different fisheries, and culturally diverse backgrounds.

An investigation of recreational fishing peak bodies in Western Australia, Victoria and Northern Territory has also recently been undertaken by the Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc (TARFish). This research also identified relevant factors including:

• Smaller governance boards (9 or less) are considered more effective. Board diversity improves organisational performance. Board “stagnation” increases organisational risk.
• Exclusively ‘representative’ boards (either organisational or regional) are less effective. Expert members are considered a key asset to the organisation.
• Members provide organisational legitimacy and strength; however, peak bodies should represent all recreational fishers not only members. If paid membership is in place, fees should not act as a barrier. Pricing should reflect value and capacity to pay.
• A strong focus on quality communication with fishers is essential. Using contemporary technology to manage communication and membership (including voting) is most effective in terms of participation and engagement.
• Delivering proactive and positive initiatives, such as fishing clinics, increases value of the organisation to the sector.

The following are the objects for the peak body, which reflect key areas of interest for NSW recreational fishers.

1. To represent and advocate the interests and rights of all New South Wales recreational fishers and other recreational fishing stakeholders on any issues that affect participation, development and sustainability of recreational fishing;
2. To promote and advocate responsible recreational fishing and assist with the education of fishers;
3. To be recognised as a major stakeholder in aquatic ecosystem management and participate in fisheries management so as to ensure the sustainability of fish species and their habitat;
4. To ensure an adequate and equitable share of the available resource and the opportunity to optimise the social and economic benefits of accessing and harvesting that share;
5. To promote the accessibility of sustainable recreational fishing activities for all sectors of the community;
6. To actively communicate and consult with recreational fishers and engage in activities which will assist recreational fishing.

Specific priorities will be determined by the peak body, however examples of potential focus areas include:

Selection of the initial board

The peak body cannot be incorporated and commence functioning without initial office holders (chair and board members).

It is proposed that the initial chair be selected through a public expression of interest (EOI) process conducted by an independent person or company. Board members will also be selected via a similar EOI process, based on the mix of skills needed to establish the peak body.

Selecting board members after establishment

It is proposed that once established board members will be appointed through a combination of election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and direct appointment by the board.

The board will have 4 members elected by voting members at an AGM.

The board may also have up to 5 members (including the chair), appointed on the basis that their skills and expertise is needed to help achieve the organisations objectives and guide the board.

It is proposed that the Office-bearers i.e. the chair, vice-chair, secretary and the treasurer will be chosen by the board from amongst members of the board.

Skills and requirements for board members

The board (and initial selection process) will consider what skills and experience is needed by board members in the context of the association’s strategic plan. Relevant skills include:

• Governance and chairing committees.
• Communications and marketing.
• Legal and governance experience.
• Financial and accounting.
• Fisheries science and management.
• Industry and government liaison.
• Fundraising and project management experience.

In addition, all board members are expected to possess the full set of personal attributes required to operate as an effective member including, integrity, ability to appropriately engage with other people’s viewpoints and a commitment to the mission of the peak body.

Tenure limits

It is generally considered to be a good idea for board member’s tenure to be limited, to encourage renewal, and to stagger appointment so that new and ongoing members are balanced.

It is proposed that:

• Board members will be appointed for 4-year terms.
• Half the board positions will be subject to reappointment every 2 years.
• Board members can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms.

Reimbursement and payments for board members

To help attract suitable professional board members and encourage participation, it is proposed that they be reimbursed for their time to attend meetings through an annual payment.

The initial remuneration for the proposed board from the establishment grant provided by the NSW Government would be no more than $10,000pa for the chair and $5,000pa for each member, in line with the remuneration paid to members of the existing Fisheries Advisory Councils.

After the initial establishment period, if the peak body wishes to remunerate its board at a higher rate it would need to use funds from other sources. The amount of remuneration initially set may be varied or set aside by vote of members at the AGM.

Separately from any payment, an organisation may reimburse board members for costs for attending meetings that are reasonably incurred, for example travel costs.

Membership of the NSW peak body

The following types of memberships are proposed initially:

• Ordinary (voting) Members; and
• Affiliate (non-voting) Members, such as for businesses and clubs.

The board may look at establishing additional membership classes after it is established. For example, some other sporting bodies have junior, premium and club supporter membership classes.

Membership requirements

It is proposed that membership of the peak body be available to all NSW recreational fishers who:

• Support the objects of the association.
• Pay the relevant fees, (if any).
• Satisfy the requirements for that class of member as determined by the board.
• Are over 18 for ordinary (voting) member.

Fees

It is proposed that full ‘ordinary’ membership be offered free of charge initially. This is intended to boost membership and allow the peak body to establish a base for consultation with as many recreational fishers as possible. It is believed that other low-cost membership options, such as $5 membership, are not cost effective, considering associated administration costs.

The board will determine the fees for other membership classes once established and may establish fees for ordinary members in the future.

Membership rights

It is proposed that all members have the right to receive notice and to attend General Meetings. However, only Ordinary Members are eligible to stand for election to the board or vote.

The NSW Government has allocated funding and intends to provide a grant of $1,050,000 to the new body, to enable establishment and assist it to start engaging with the state’s recreational fishers and initial employment of staff.

Once the peak body is established, the CEO and board will explore independent sources for future funding, such as industry sponsorship, membership and applications to the Recreational Fishing Trust for specific projects, subject to meeting Trust and NSW Government grant guidelines.