G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
27 June 2019  
(19-4336) Page: 1/17 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  Original: English  
 
SUBSIDIES  
 
NEW AND FULL NOTIFIC ATION PURSUANT TO AR TICLE XVI:1 OF THE  
GATT 1994 AND ARTICL E 25 OF THE AGREEMEN T ON SUBSIDIES  
AND COUNTERVAILING M EASURES  
AUSTRALIA  
The following communication, dated 26 June 2019, is being circulated at the request of the  
delegation of Australia.  
 
_______________  
 
Australia notes the importance of submitting information on fisheries subsidies as an integral part 
of the current WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations and recalls the re -commitment made by 
Members in the Ministe rial Decision of 13 December 2017 to implementing existing subsidy 
notification obligations.  
In order to fulfil this commitment , noting the deadline set out in document,  as well as to provide 
the necessary information as part of the negotiations, Australia  is submitting a fisheries subsidies 
notification in advance of its complete new and full subsidies notification.  This fisheries subsidies 
notification provides  details on federal  programs  and state/territo ry programs for  financial  years 
2017/18  (the financi al year being  from 1 July to 30 June)  and the period 1 July to 31 
December 2018 . Australia will submit a further new and full 2019 subsidy notification later this 
year which will include updated information on fisheries subsidies for the period 2017/18 and 
2018/19.  
Programs are included for the sake of transparency and without prejudice to the legal status, effects 
or nature of the measures under the WTO Agreement.  
  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  Contents  
FEDERAL PROGRAMMES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 2 
A. FISHERIES RESEARCH A ND DEVELOPMENT CORPO RATION  
INVESTMENT FUNDING  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 2 
B. FISHERIES ASSISTANCE  AND USER ENGAGEMENT  PACKAGE  ................................ .. 3 
SUB-FEDERAL PROGRAMMES  ................................ ................................ ...........................  5 
NEW SOUTH WALES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  5 
A. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES  BUSINESS ADJUSTMENT  PROGRAM (BAP)  ......................  5 
B. AQUACULTURE DEBT WAI VER ................................ ................................ ...............  11 
QUEENS LAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  12 
A. VESSEL TRACKING REBA TE SCHEME  ................................ ................................ ...... 12 
TASMANIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  13 
A. PACIFIC OYSTER MORTA LITY SYNDROME RECOVE RY CONCESSIONAL  
LOAN SCHEME  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  13 
B. ABALONE INDUSTRY REI NVESTMENT FUND  ................................ ..........................  14 
C. ABALONE INDUSTRY DEV ELOPMENT TRUST FUND  ................................ ................  15 
D. SHELLMAP  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  15 
WESTERN AUSTRALIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 16 
A. MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL CERTIFICATIO N ................................ ...............  16 
 
FEDERAL PROGRAMMES  
A. FISHERIES RESEARCH A ND DEVELOPMENT CORPO RATION INVESTMENT FU NDING  
1.  Title of the subsidy  
Fisheries research, developmen t and extension project funding.  
2.  Period covered by the notification  
Financial years 2017/18 and 2018/20191 July to 31 December 2018 . 
3.  Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The FRDC 's vision is for Australia to have vibrant fishing and aquaculture sectors which adopt world 
class research to achieve sustainability and prosperity with the planned outcome to increase 
economic, social and environmental benefits for Australian fishing and aquaculture, and the wider 
community by investing in knowledge, in novation and marketing.  
4.  Background and authority for the subsidy  
FRDC is a statutory corporation within the Australian Government 's Agriculture and Water Resources 
portfolio and is accountable to the Parliament of Australia through the Minister for Agricul ture and 
Water Resources.  Revenue for RD&E investment is based on a co -funding model between the 
Australian Government and the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.  The Corporation was 
formed on 2 July 1991 and operates under two key pieces of leg islation the Primary Industries 
Research and Development Act 1989  (PIRD Act) and the Public Governance, Performance and 
Accountability Act 2013  (PGPA Act).  The PIRD Act permits funding and administration of research 
and development relating to primary industries with a view to:  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  i. increasing the economic, environmental and social benefits to members of primary 
industries and to the community in general by improving the production, processing, 
storage, transport or marketing of the products of primary indus tries; and  
ii. achieving the sustainable use and sustainable management of natural resources; and  
iii. making more effective use of the resources and skills of the community in general and the 
scientific community in particular; and  
iv. supporting the development of scientific and technical capacity; and  
v. developing the adoptive capacity of primary producers; and  
vi. improving accountability for expenditure on research and development activities in relation 
to primary industries.  
5.  Form of the subsidy 
Grants.  An application for funding is submitted  to the FRDC with a comprehensive assessment 
process undertaken on these applications  prior to the approval of funding.  Projects receive funding 
to undertake a specific research activity  through milestone reports that are monitored by the FRDC . 
6.  To whom  and how the subsidy is provided 
Priorities for projects are set by the state/territory and commonwealth jurisdictions via research 
advisory committees as well as  industry groups  managed through industry partnership agreements . 
Funding is provided through a project funding agreement between the FRDC and the 
applicant/research partner organisation who are selected through  open and contestable public 
funding round s and at times sele ct tender processes .  
Recipients range from research institutions and universities, to businesses and individuals and relate 
to aquaculture, commercial, indigenous, post -harvest and recreational fishing activities.  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit 
RD&E projects vary in both their timeframe and budget and can range from several thousand 
Australian dollars to over AUD  1 million.  In-kind contributions are also provided by the applicant 
and third parties in amounts similar to the FRDCs contribution.  
The FRDC invested  AUD 25.99  million in project expenditure in 493 active projects in the 2017/18 
financial year and AUD  12.98 million in project expenditure in 389 active projects during the period 
1 July – 31 December 2018.  
8.  Duration  
Ongoing.  Each year the FRDC fund resear ch projects which have an average duration of three years  
but can range anywhere between several months to five years . 
9.  Statistical  data permitting an assessment  of the trade  effects  
No statistical  data permitting an assessment  of trade  effects  is available. 
B. FISHERIES ASSISTANCE  AND USER ENGAGEMENT  PACKAGE  
1.  Title of subsidy  
Fisheries Assistance and User Engagement Package  
2.  Period  covered  by the notification  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  Financial  years 2017/18  and 2018/2019 . 
3.  Policy  object ive and/or  purpose of the subsidy 
Five new Australian Marine Park management plans covering 44 Australian Marine Parks came into 
effect on 1 July 2018.  These management plans set out how the marine parks will be managed over 
the next 10 years including through zoning arrangements that both protect Australia 's marine 
environment and support Australia 's sustainable commercial fishing sector.  The new management 
plans have significantly reduced the impacts on commercial fishers but the package is designed to 
provide assistance to those commercial fisher s directly affected by the new management 
arrangements.   
The Package provides:  
i. Fishing Business Assistance Grants – assistance to affected commercial fishers with a 
recent history of fishing in Australian Marine Parks as they adjust their business to the 
new operating environment . 
ii. Marine Parks Grants – to help marine users and industries engage in marine park 
management.  The first round of the element of the package closed on 12 March 2019.  The 
second round will open in the second half of 2019.  
iii. Vessel Moni toring System Assistance – support to encourage uptake of vessel monitoring 
systems.  This element is being progressed through Parks Australia and fisheries 
management agencies.  
iv. Coral Sea Fishery Licence Buy -out – direct assistance to commercial fishers hol ding either 
trawl or trap endorsements in the Commonwealth managed Coral Sea Fishery through a 
voluntary lice nce buy -back based on the closure of 99.8 per cent of the fishery to these 
methods.  
4.  Background  and authority for the subsidy 
The package is funded and managed through the Department of the Environment and Energy.  
Australian Marine Parks are Commonwealth reserves in Commonwealth marine areas declared 
under section 344 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 . The 
Director o f National Parks manages Australian Marine Parks.  
5.  Form of the subsidy 
One-off Grants.  
6.  To whom  and how the subsidy is provided 
Fishers/licence holders eligible to operate in one or more of the affected Australian Marine Parks.  
Fishing Business Assistance Grants – Grants were provided to eligible fishers/licence holders with a 
history of operating in one or more of the affected Australian Marine Parks that are now closed to 
their operations.  
Our Marine Parks Grants – Grants provided to eligible fishing orga nisations under Round One.  Grants 
will be open to a wider range of marine park users in Round Two.  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit 
In 2018/19:  
• Approximately $9.4 million was provided to eligible fishers as part of Fishing Business 
Assistance Grants in 2018/19.  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  • In total twelve projects worth AUD 5 million will be funded under this first round of the 
Marine Parks Grants over two years (2018/20).  Approximately AUD 2 million will be 
expended on the projects in 2018/19, with the remaining AUD 3 million committed in 
2019/20.  
8.  Duration  of the subsidy 
2018/22 . 
9.  Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects  
No statistical  data permitting an assessment  of trade  effects  is available. 
SUB-FEDERAL PROGRAMM ES 
NEW  SOUTH WALES 
A. COMMERCIAL FISHERIES  BUSINESS ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM ( BAP)  
1.  Title of the subsidy  
Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program (BAP) . 
2.  Period  covered  by the notification  
Financial  year 2017/18  and 1 July to 31 December 2018. 
3.  Policy  object ive and/or  purpose of the subsidy 
The NSW Government 's Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program (BAP) introduced 
linkages between shares and catch or effort, giving fishers the ability to invest in their business with 
more certainty than ever before, and ensuring the long -term viability an d sustainability of the NSW 
commercial fishing industry.  
The Reform followed an Independent Review of Commercial Fisheries Policy, Management and 
Administration, recommendations by an Independent Structural Adjustment Committee, and 
announcement by the Min ister of the reforms.  
A range of assistance measures were put in place during implementation of the BAP, designed to 
assist the commercial fishing industry to manage restructure impacts. Assistance measures were 
made available to fishers exiting the indust ry and for fishers who remain in the industry to expand 
their operations and improve business viability.  
The purpose of the above subsidies and grants were to offset the impact of the various stages of the 
Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program ( BAP) by:  
• Assisting fishers to either exit the industry, purchase new shares, seek independent advice 
or obtain retraining, and assisting nominated fishers to establish themselves.  
• Easing the burden of commercial fishery management fees & fishing boat licence fees 
during the BAP period.  
• Assisting Fishing Cooperatives to adjust to changes in the industry by extending & 
subsidising leases on Crown Land.  
• Promoting best practice, improving social licence with the broader community, and 
upskilling of commerc ial fishers.  
Specifically, assistance measures including the following:  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  • AUD 20,000 fishing business buyouts (per business) extended through 2017/18 as part of 
the Governments AUD  16 million Adjustment Subsidy Program (subsidised share trading 
market which was implemented in 2016/17).  
• AUD 2 million low interest loans for eligible fishers (nominated fishers and commercial 
fishing business owners) requiring assistance to purchase shares (up to AUD  80,000 per 
business)  
• Access to a maximum of AUD  10,000 for retr aining for those choosing to exit the industry 
(capped at AUD  500,000).  
• Professional advice grants of up to AUD1,000 for individual fishers and eligible nominated 
fishers to access independent legal & financial advice to inform business planning.  
• Cap on ma nagement fees, delaying any increase to management fees above the Consumer 
Price Index (CPI) until July 2018, followed by capping future increases at 6%/yr above 
CPI. 
• Application fee for paper -based fishing business transfers waived.  
• Removal of licensing f ees for some commercial fishing boats - July 2018.  
• Fishing Cooperative Advice grants.  
• Standard long -term lease terms for Cooperatives located on Crown Land.  
• Rental subsidies for Cooperatives on Crown Land, to the value of AUD  2.3 million over two 
years to 30 June 2018.  
• Aboriginal fisher fee waivers.  
• Subsidised management fees (lack of full cost recovery ). 
• OceanWatch Australia Master Fisherman Program.  
4.  Background  and authority for the subsidy 
The Commercial Fishing Business Adjustment Program (BAP) was initiated in 2012, and final reform 
and assistance measures were approved in 2016.  Implementation of the reform and assistance 
measures has followed, with the final share linkage reforms to commence 1 July 2019.  
The AUD  16 million Adjustment Subsidy Program (ASP) and AUD  20,000 (per fishing business) 
fishing business buyouts were approved and included NSW Government funding and AUD 2 million 
from the Commercial Fishing Trust Fund. Fishers were paid the AUD  16 million in 2016/17, providing 
assistance t o exit the industry or invest in subsidised shares to remain, and additional assistance 
measures were available throughout 2017/18 and 2018/19.  
Section 236 of the Fisheries Management Act 1994  (the Act) specifies that commercial fishing fees 
are to be paid  into the Commercial Fishing Trust Fund. Section 233 of the Act provides that "money 
in a trust fund is under the control of the Minister and can be expended by the Minister only for the 
purposes authorised by this Division ". 
Section 236 of the Act sets ou t what may be paid out of that fund, including:  
a. the costs of taking measures to enhance, maintain or protect the effective management 
of commercial fishing, and  
b. the costs of carrying out research into commercial fishing, and  
c. the costs of management and adm inistration of commercial fishing, and  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  d. the costs of ensuring compliance with commercial fishing regulatory controls, and  
e. the costs of consultative arrangements with commercial fishers.  
 
The Department provided a range of assistance measures during 2017/18 and 2018/19 from the 
Commercial Fishing Trust Fund, including:  
• low interest rate loans (for shareholders and nominated fishers (capped at  AUD 2 million ), 
• independent financial advice grants (AUD  1,000 per person capped at AUD  500,000),  
• retraining assistance (AUD  10,000 per person capped at AUD  500,000),  
• fishing coo peratives advice grants (AUD  30,000 per cooperative, capped at AUD  450,000).  
The NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) managed the administration and financial component of 
the loans and g rants on behalf of the Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries.  
Under section 288B of the Act, the Minister may waive, postpone or refund payment of all or part of 
any fee, charge, rental payment or contribution payable under the Act or the regula tions, if the 
Minister considers it is appropriate to do so.  
NSW also undertook the capping of management fees, the waiving of application fees and removal 
of mandatory boat licence fees.  
NSW also approved funding to the OceanWatch Master Fisherman Program  (AUD 200,000 
per annum ) with funding provided by NSW Treasury under an existing Commercial Fisheries New 
Policy Proposal (funding request).  
OceanWatch Australia developed the Master Fisherman program in direct response from industry 
and reflected that no existing or similar program was available.  The program was supported by 
funding from OceanWatch Australia and the NSW and Australian governments through the Fisheries 
Research & Development Corporation (FRDC) following support from NSW DPI Fisheries.  
Regar ding rent relief for fishing cooperatives located on Crown Land, the NSW Government granted 
concessions at 100% of rent value to fishing cooperatives with Crown Land leases for two years to 
30 June 2018.  Crown Lands forwent the revenue of AUD  2.3 million o ver two years.  
5.  Form of the subsidy 
Grants, low interest rate loans and fee waivers.  
Fishing Cooperatives Assistance  
A one -off grant payment of up to AUD  30,000 was made available for specialist business advice to 
assist Fishing Cooperatives that anticipated or experienced changes in membership and/or 
throughput as a result of the implementation of the Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment 
Program. Payment was made as reimbursement upon production of receipts. A 50% waiver on rent 
for 12 coopera tives located on Crown Land was also approved for 2 years to assist.  
Business (Financial & Legal) Advice  
A grant up to AUD  1000 was made available to assist NSW commercial fisheries shareholders 
(shareholders) with the cost of seeking independent professio nal financial or legal advice regarding 
their business operation within the new share linkage and management arrangements (up to 
AUD 2000 if fishers choose both financial and legal advice), paid as reimbursement upon production 
of receipts.  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  Business Buyout  Grants  
Fixed payments ( ex gratia  payments) of up to AUD  20,000 were available to shareholders who chose 
to sell or surrender all of their shares, allowing the fishing business to be cancelled. This gave 
business owners options to consolidate or sell all o f their shares from a fishing business and have 
their business cancelled.  
Re-training Assistance  
A grant up to AUD  10,000 was made available to assist with retraining of commercial fishing 
operators who chose to exit the industry. The grant covered course fees, travel to and from course 
locations, as well as meals and accommodation during course attendance.  
Low Interest Loans  
Loans up to a maximum of AUD  80,000 were available to eligible commercial fishing shareholders, 
or eligible nominated fishers, at a f ixed interest rate of 2.5% over a maximum term of 12 years. The 
first two years were an interest only period. Loans were provided as a 'Line of Credit. ' 
Loans were only available for the purchase of certain additional species or effort quota shares as 
relevant to the reform program.  
Fee Waivers  
A range of fee waivers were provided to assist fishers potentially impacted by the Commercial 
Fisheries Business Adjustment Program, including a) mortgage registration fee waiver for low 
interest loans with the Rural  Assistance Authority, b) Boat licence renewal fee waivers, c) Share 
transfer fee waivers,  d) some management fee waivers including part fee waivers/discounts for 
Aboriginal fishers who met certain criteria.  
Subsidised management fees  
In the absence of cos t recovery, it could be said that a proportion of the management charges/annual 
contributions and fees for services relating to the management of commercial fisheries are subsidised 
by the Government. In the absence of cost recovery and without detailed an alysis the value of such 
a subsidy, it is difficult to determine the overall value.  
In 2014/15 it was estimated that share management charges were set at a level relating to 
approximately 40% recovery overall. Since that time a cap has been set on such fee s, excluding 
CPI, as approved by the Minister.  
Ocean Watch Master Fisherman Program  
A grant was provided to OceanWatch Australia to expand the Master Fisherman Program, via a 
Funding Deed, with the objective of:  
• increasing participation of NSW commercial f ishers,  
• including additional training accreditation components to further upskill NSW commercial 
fishers,  
• promoting best practice, and  
• improving indus try's social licence with the broader community.  
The program priorities include people development and the  improvement of industry 's profile 
amongst the community, matters that have been highlighted as requiring significant attention in the 
NSW Upper House Inquiry into Commercial fishing in NSW and other community surveys. The 
Program is delivered at no cost t o commercial fishers.  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  6.  To whom  and how the subsidy is provided 
Assistance measures were made available to NSW commercial fishers directly affected by the NSW 
Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program during the various stages of the program.  
These fi shers were primarily those in the five share managed fisheries, being the Estuary General 
Fishery, Ocean Trap & Line Fishery, Ocean Haul Fishery, Ocean Trawl Fishery, Estuary Prawn Trawl 
Fishery.  
Grants and loans were subject to application and were appro ved or denied according to strict criteria 
as specified in policy and managed by the Rural Assistance Authority on behalf of the Department 
of Primary Industries (DPI) - Fisheries. Criteria also applied to eligible NSW Fishing Cooperatives 
regarding advice  grants and fee waivers.  
As indicated above, the Master Fishermen Program grant funds were provided to OceanWatch 
Australia to expand their existing program, to deliver NSW Government priorities on behalf of 
DPI - Fisheries.  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit 
Low Interest Loans  
• Up to AUD  80,000 per shareholder or eligible fisher (capped at AUD  2 million).  
• 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 = 8 approved, totalling AUD  445,535 dispersed.  
• 1 July 2018 to 9 June 2019 = NIL.  
• TOTAL in Lo w Interest Loans = AUD  445,535 . 
Fishing Bu siness Buyouts  
• AUD 20,000 per fishing business.  
• 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 = 30 approved, totalling AUD  527,845.61 disbursed*.  
• 1 July  2018 to 9 June 2019 = NIL.  
• TOTAL in Fishing Business Buyouts = AUD  527,846 . 
*Note that the amount dispersed is following the payment of outstanding fees from ex gratia  
payments. The in principle total for 2017/18 = AUD  600,000 . 
Fishing Cooperatives Assistance  
• One-off payment of up to AUD  30,000 for specialist advice per Cooperative (capped at 
AUD 450,000).  
• 50% waiver on rent  for 12 Cooperatives located on Crown Land for 2 years to 30 June 
2018.  
• 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 = 7 approved payments, totalling AUD  188,863.64 disbursed 
(payment based on receipts).  
• 1 July 2018 to 9 June 2019 = NIL.  
• TOTAL in Fishing Coop Advice Grants  = AUD  188,864 . 
• TOTAL in forgone revenue by Crown Lands = AUD  2.3 mil lion. G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  Business (Financial & Legal) Advice  
• Up to AUD1000 for independent advice from accountant/financial or legal advisor.  
• 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 = 94 approved, totalling AUD  82,912. 93 disbursed.  
• 1 July 20 18 to 9 June 2019 = 4 approved, totalling  AUD3,686 disbursed.  
• TOTAL in Business Advice Grants = AUD  86,599 . 
• Re-training Assistance  
• Up to AUD  10,000 to assist with retraining those exiting the industry (capped at 
AUD 500,000).  
• 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 = 3 approved, totalling AUD  12,696.77 disbursed.  
• 1 July 20 18 to 9 June 2019 = 1 pending, totalling AUD  0 disbursed.  
• TOTAL in Retraining Assistance = AUD  12,697 . 
General Fee Waiver (all share managed commercial fishers)  
• Mortgage registr ation fee waiver for low interest loans with RAA = 100 applicants, total 
value of AUD  54,690.  
• Boat licence renewal fee waiver = 3682 applicants, total value of AUD  726,876.  
• Share transfer waiver = 381 applicants, total value of AUD  118,638.  
• Management fee waivers: 2017/18 = AUD  1,247 and 2018/19 = AUD  6,854. 
• TOTAL in Fee Waivers = AUD  908,305 . 
Fee Waiver for Aboriginal Fishers  
• 10% off Fishing Business management fees if certain criteria were met, in addition to a 
standard $100 discount for each FB.  
• 2017/18 = 23 eligible businesses. No figures on discount. Community contribution waiver 
$100 per business = AUD  2,300. 
• 2018/19  = 24 eligible businesses. AUD  7,118 in discounts & AUD  2,400 in community 
contributions . 
• TOTAL Aboriginal Fisher Fee Waivers = AUD  11,818 . 
Subsidised management fees  
For the purposes of providing a reasonable estimate in the baseline subsidy information the following 
was considered: a) that the management and licence fees for shared managed fishers in 2017/18 
generated a revenue of approxim ately $2.7mil, and b) that approximately 30 -40% of costs may 
have been recovered (noting again, that a detailed analysis of costs has not be undertaken, and that 
NSW is lacking a cost recovery policy).  
On this basis, it may be that the Commercial Fishing i ndustry was subsidised by an estimated 
AUD 4 - 6.3 million in 2017/18, and half of this again in the first half of 2 018 (AUD  2 – 3.15 million). 
TOTAL subsidised fees estimate = AUD  6 million – AUD 9.4 million . G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  Ocean Watch Master Fisherman Program  
• Direct negotiation of Funding Deed with OceanWatch Australia to deliver an expanded 
Master Fishermen Program on behalf of NSW Government.  
• Total AUD  200,000 per year o ver 4 years commencing 2017/18.  
• TOTAL grant to Master Fisherman Program = AUD  300,000 . 
TOTAL of all subsidies and grants (2017/18 and 2018) = AUD10,781,664 - AUD14,181,664*  
*Note that the AUD  16 million Adjustment Subsidy Program has not been included in this total as it 
was paid by the Rural Assistance Authority to fishers during 2016/17. Note  also that the foregone 
rent to be collected by Crown Lands is included in this total . This is a separate budget to that of 
Fisheries NSW.  Also note that the total expenditure/value of subsidies is provided as a range given 
the estimated range of the subsi dised fees charged to fishers in the form of share fishery 
management fees and charges.  
8.  Duration  
The Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program has been implemented over several years, 
since 2012, with the final stages of completion set for 1 July 20 19. The range of assistance measures 
offered to fishers during this time will not continue beyond the extent of the reform period.  The 
assistance measures outlined above were specific to 2017/18 and the first half of 2018.  
However, the OceanWatch  Master Fishermen Program, and other seafood promotion grants 
(AUD  1 million recently announced to be spent over 2018/19 and 19/20) will continue beyond 
2018/19. Additionally, until the NSW Government moves to full cost recovery for the management 
of its f isheries, fishers will continue to be subsidised to some extent by discounted management fees 
and charges.  
9.  Statistical  data permitting an assessment  of the trade  effects  
No statistical  data permitting an assessment  of trade  effects  is available. 
B. AQUACULTURE DEBT WAI VER  
1.  Title of the subsidy  
Aquaculture Debt waiver – due to financial hardship caused by a natural disaster or disease event  
2.  Period  covered  by the notification  
Financial  years 2017/18  and 2018/2019  
3.  Policy  object ive and/or  purpose of the subsidy 
To provide bona -fide aquaculture businesses that are impacted by a natural disaster or disease event 
with short term (12 months) relief from NSW DPI aquaculture permit and lease fees and charges.  
4.  Background  and authority for the subsidy 
Aquaculture Debt and Fee Waiver Policy (AQP001) defines the circumstances under which 
aquaculture related fees may be waived under s.288B of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 . 
5.  Form of the subsidy 
Waiver of annual fees.  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  6.  To whom  and how the subsidy is provided 
To aquaculture permit holders who meet policy and assessment criteria (majority of income derived 
from the aquaculture business, monies available, forecast income).  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit 
Annual fees and charges.  This varies between the size of businesses and can range from a minimum 
of AUD  700 to several thousand dollars.  
During 2017/18 and 2018/19 there was only one debt waiver approved for a land -based aquaculture 
permit holder impacted by drought . 
8.  Duration  
12 months.  
9.  Statistical  data permitting an assessment  of the trade  effects  
No statistical  data permitting an assessment  of trade  effects  is available. 
QUEENSLAND  
A. VESSEL TRACKING REBA TE SCHEME  
1.  Title of Subsidy  
Vessel Tracking Rebate Scheme . 
2.  Period covered by the notification  
Financial  year 2017/18  and 1 July to 31 December 2018. 
3.  Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017 -2027 outlines a ten -year reform agenda for the 
sustainable management of Queensland fisheries.  As part of this strategy, vessel tracking capability 
will be required on all commercial fishing boats by 2020, with units to be installed on net, line and 
crab commercial fishing boats by 1 January 2019.  
The Vessel Tracking Rebate Scheme offsets the costs incurred by comm ercial fishers to purchase 
and have installed approved vessel tracking units on their fishing boats.  
4.  Background and authority for the subsidy  
The Vessel Tracking Policy and Vessel Tracking Guidelines , Vessel Tracking Guideline, the Fisheries 
Act 1994  and Fisheries Regulation 2008  outline the requirement for vessel tracking on commercial 
fishing boats as committed to under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017 -2027.  The Scheme is 
administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRI DA). 
5.  Form of the subsidy  
Cash rebate.  The purchase rebate amount of an approved vessel tracking unit is up to a maximum 
of AUD  300 or AUD  750 (depending on the type of unit) and the rebate for installation is up to a 
maximum of AUD  220. 
6.  To whom and how the  subsidy is provided  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  The rebate is specific to all permanent holders of commercial fishing boat licences, commercial 
harvest fishery licences or charter fishing licences.  The number of units and installation rebates 
fishers are entitled to are dependent on  the fishery endorsements listed on their licence.  
The applicant must provide evidence of unit purchase and installation to QRIDA in addition to a paper 
or electronic application specifying the licenses the rebate is being claimed for.  
7.  Level of subsidy per  unit 
The Scheme allocates up to AUD 3 million to assist fishers for the purchase and installation costs 
associated with implementing vessel tracking.  
8.  Duration  of the subsidy  
The Scheme opened on 30 August 2018 and will close to applications on 31 December 2020.  
9.  Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects  
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
TASMANIA  
A. PACIFIC OYSTER MORTA LITY SYNDROME RECOVE RY CONCESSIONAL LOAN  SCHEME  
1.   Title of Subsidy  
Pacific  Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) Recovery Concessional Loan Scheme . 
2.  Period covered by the notification  
Financial  year 2017/18  and 1 July to 31 December 2018. [Scheme ceased 1 May 2018.]  
3.  Policy objective and/or p urpose of the subsidy  
The POMS  Recovery Concessional Loan Scheme is an initiative of the Tasmanian Government 
providing low interest loans to oyster growers, nurseries and hatcheries that have been affected by 
POMS, as indicated by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and  Environment.  
The Loan S cheme , announced by the Minister for Primary Industries and Water on 4 April 2016, 
provide d a loan pool of up to AUD  5 million to offer loans ranging from AUD 30,000 to AUD 250 000. 
4.  Background and authority for the subsidy  
The Loan Scheme  is in response to an outbreak of POMS at several oyster farms in Tasmania during 
January 2016.  
5.  Form of the subsidy  
Low interest rate loan.  
6.  To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
To eligible Tasmanian oyster farmers and hatcheries.  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit  
Funding provided during 2017 /18 financial year and the period 1 July to 31 December 2018  is 
summarised in the following table.  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  Expend iture No. of Firms  Indu stry Se ctor 
AUD 250 000  1 Oyster farmers  
Nil Nil Oyster farmers  
8.  Duration  of the subsidy  
The Loan Scheme was opened from April 2016 until December 2016.  It was reopened in April 2017 
and remain ed open until 1 May 2018.  [One loan for AUD240,000 has not yet been drawn down due 
to delays in being able to meet one of its approval conditions.]  
9.  Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects  
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
B. ABALONE INDUSTRY REI NVESTMENT FUND  
1.  Title of Subsidy  
Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund . 
2.  Period covered by the notificati on 
Financial  year 2017/18  and 1 July to 31 December 2018. [Note the fund was established in July 
2018.]  
3.  Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The broad objectives of the Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund are to support and increase the 
sustainability and productivity of the abalone fishery both biologically and economically.  The fund 
will support projects to reduce the long spined sea urchin population of the East Coast of Tasmania.  
It will also support projects to increase abalone stock  rates, including larval seeding.  
4.  Background and authority for the subsidy  
The fund is administered by a committee consisting of members from the Tasmanian Abalone 
Council, the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment and th e 
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.  
5.  Form of the subsidy  
The Fund was established by diverting a portion of existing royalties to provide support for industry -
led projects that assist in maintaining and enhancing the sustainability and value of th e abalone 
fishery.  
6.  To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Applicants may be individuals, community organisations, research institutes, local government or 
industry representatives.  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit  
AUD 5.1 million over 5 years.  [Note the fund was  established in July 2018.]  
Quantum of funds valued at 1% of GVP (about AUD  750,000) are expected to flow into the AIRF 
from August 2018 for the 2018/19 financial year.  This quantum will increase to 1.5% of GVP for the 
2019/2020 year and to 2% for each of the 2020/2021 and 2021/22 years.  
8.  Duration  of the subsidy  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  Five years from 2018 -19 to 2022 -23. 
9.  Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects  
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
C. ABALONE INDUSTRY DEV ELOPMENT TRUST FUND  
1.  Title of Subsidy  
Abalone Industry Development Trust  Fund. 
2.  Period covered by the notification  
Financial  year 2017/18  and 1 July to 31 December 2018. 
3.  Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
For industry development projects to assist with developing new markets, respond to changes in the 
world market over recent years, leverage additional resource sustainability funding from national 
research funding bodies, undertake further economic analysi s and increase the value of the catch.  
4.  Background and authority for the subsidy  
Announced in the 2015 State Budget, in response to changes in the world market.  
5.  Form of the subsidy  
Grant funding to the Tasmanian Abalone Council Ltd.  
6.  To whom and how the subs idy is provided  
Trust deed to the Tasmanian Abalone Council Ltd.  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit  
AUD 0.2 million per annum  from 2015 /16.  
8.  Duration  of the subsidy  
Initially four years from 201 5/16 to 2018/19 . Funding extended in 2018 State Budget for another 
four years.  
9.  Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects  
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
D. SHELLMAP  
1.  Title of Subsidy  
ShellMAP ( Market Access Pro gram). 
2.  Period covered by the notification  
Financial  year 2017/18  and 1 July to 31 December 2018. 
3.  Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  ShellMAP 's Industry Development  (Market Access)  component will ensure  that innovation and best 
practice is fostered and implemented, so that the industry retains its competitive edge in the world 's 
market . 
4.  Background and authority for the subsidy  
Announced in the 2018 State Budget.  ShellMAP  operates under a Partnership Agreement between 
the Tasmanian Government, Oysters Tasmania and the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council (TSIC).  
The program has three components: Regulatory Services, Industry Development  (Market Access)  
and Operational Servic es. 
5.  Form of the subsidy  
Project funding . 
6.  To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment will partner with 
the oyster and shellfish industry to coordinate industry development.  Funding is  provided for projects 
proposed by Oysters Tasmania to improve the capacity of the oyster industry to manage market 
access programs.  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit  
AUD 0 .4 million over four years from 2018/19 . 
8.  Duration  of the subsidy  
Four years from 2018/19 .  
9.  Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects  
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
WESTERN AUSTRALIA  
A. MARINE STEWARDSHIP C OUNCIL CERTIFICATION  
1.  Title of subsidy  
Marine Stewardship Council certification.  
2.  Period  covered  by the notification  
Financial  years 2018/19  and 2019/2 0. 
3.  Policy  object ive and/or  purpose of the subsidy 
To demonstrate WA fisheries are fished and managed sustainably, and to enhance/maintain market 
access for WA commercial fisheries.  Specifically , to fund the cost of WA 's commercial fisheries (wild 
fishery harvest) achieving the Marine Stewardship Council environmental standard  and to provide 
for policy, compliance and research support for the assessments . 
4.  Background  and authority for the subsidy 
Changing worldwide trends of increasing environmental concern about the state of fisheries and the 
potential impact of market access led the WA Government in 2012 to facilitate independent third 
party certification of WA 's commercial fisheries.  AUD14.5 m illion was allocated for the project.  Out 
of the AUD  14.5 milion, AUD  6.5 million over the four years funded the cost of Conformity 
Assessment Bodies (CAB s) undertaking the Marine Stewardship Council assessments.  G/SCM/N/343/AUS  
 
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  5.  Form of the subsidy 
Government fu nds the full cost of the independent Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB s) 
undertaking the pre -assessment, full assessment and first annual surveillance audit.  Subsequently 
industry must fully fund the surveillance audits in years 2  - 4 and the 5 year re -assessment and on -
going annual surveillance costs.  
6.  To whom  and how the subsidy is provided 
For pre -assessments , the subsidy was provided to the CAB on the approval of the Department.  Pre-
assessments were completed for all fisheries.  Full assessments require support of the fishery rights 
holders, that the fishery is considered a high priority for certification, and that the Department has 
the resources available to support the assessment/audit.  
For full -assessments and the first annual surveillance audit, the subsidy is paid to the CAB 
undertaking the assessment by the State Government on behalf of the fishery client.  All payments 
to the CAB require the approval of the fishery client and the Department.  
7.  Level of subsidy per unit 
Subsidies for pre -assessments and fishery full assessments vary with the size and complexity of the 
fishery/fisheries and its management, but generally range from AUD  50,000 to AUD  150,000.  
Subsidies for the first annual surveillance audit range from AUD  10,000 to AUD  20,000.  
To date, the funds paid to CABs to undertake the assessments (pre and full assessments) and two 
aquaculture stewardship pre -assessments are given below:  
FY Year  Contracted funds  
2012/2013  AUD 129,600.00  
2013/2014  AUD 195,350.00  
2014/2015  AUD 317,367.26  
2015/2016  AUD 417,828.67  
2016/2017  AUD 342,983.99  
2017/2018  AUD 68,461.25  
2018/2019  AUD 195,597.13  
Grand Total  AUD 1,667,188.30  
8.  Duration  of the subsidy 
Financial years 2012/2013 to 201 9/20 
9.  Statistical  data permitting an assessment  of the trade  effects  
No statistical  data permitting an assessment  of trade  effects  is available. 
 
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