Fishing industry urges government to act on seafood labelling pledge
The fishing industry is concerned that a Labor pledge to mandate country-of-origin labelling for seafood in hospitality venues has been overlooked.
Industry representatives warn that time is running out for Industry Minister Ed Husic to implement the promised requirements before the federal election or the planned July start date.
Country-of-origin labelling for seafood in fish and chip shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs was a key Labor commitment ahead of the 2022 election. However, progress has stalled since November 2023, when state and federal consumer affairs ministers unanimously agreed to implement the measure.
Seafood Industry Australia chief executive Veronica Papacosta said failure to follow through would be viewed as a broken promise. “There’s been little communication,” she told The Australian. “The election commitment for country-of-origin labelling in the food service industry was such a strongly endorsed commitment from the Albanese government to the Australian seafood industry.
“We gave them kudos and congratulated them but now we’re nervous, with the focus being on the upcoming federal election, that we could get lost in the mix and that something incredibly important to us as an industry doesn’t come to fruition.”
The government had allocated $3 million for an industry and public awareness campaign to support the transition, with businesses invited to contribute to its development last year. However, no further announcements have been made regarding the scheme.
“(Not implementing the scheme) would be a critical loss to the Australian consumer who needs to have the ability to locate Australian seafood,” Papacosta said. “Australians being able to access Australian seafood is almost a quintessential right and we haven’t had that ability in food service until now.
“We hope the Albanese government fulfils its promise before the election.
“There needs to be time to implement it, bring in public awareness and work with the food service industry but we’re running out of time.”
Under the scheme, hospitality venues will be required to clearly label the origin of seafood on their menus under the new labelling scheme, indicating whether the product is sourced from Australia or overseas.
Origins will be marked with 'A' for Australia, 'I' for international, and 'M' for mixed sources.
The fishing and aquaculture sectors welcomed the policy when the government confirmed it in 2023 following years of advocacy. Industry representatives said the measure would enhance transparency for consumers and highlight the quality of locally caught or farmed seafood.
However, some business groups have opposed the requirement, arguing it would add regulatory burdens for small businesses and necessitate frequent menu updates.
The next federal election must be held on or before May 17.
Jonathan Jackson, 3rd February 2025
