NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Council

More topics in this section

We’re seeking representatives from the following interest groups:

  • Recreational Fishing
  • Commercial Fishing
  • Aboriginal Cultural Fishing
  • Aquaculture
  • Conservation of Aquatic Resources

This is a unique opportunity to bring your experience and insights to the table, collaborate with other sector members, and help guide sustainable and productive fisheries management in NSW.

Skills and experience criteria– Council members

The following skills and experience will be considered important in selecting members for MFAC:

  1. Significant experience in the sector or interest group represented and a sound understanding of the issues relevant to that sector or interest group.
  2. Excellent understanding of the sector or interest group and of the threats, challenges and opportunities facing the State’s fisheries resources.
  3. Demonstrated ability to engage with industry sector groups as required or requested by the Minister.
  4. Ability to engage in constructive discussion with other council members and with government in an objective and impartial manner.
  5. Ability to follow established standards of conduct and meeting protocols.
  6. Capacity to attend up to four meetings per year and undertake required preparation for meetings (this includes not being over-burdened with positions on other groups and committees).

Remuneration

MFAC members receive a remuneration of $5,000 per annum, plus expenses in accordance with the Classification and Remuneration Framework for NSW Boards and Committees.

Submitting an EOI

Expressions of Interest (and any supporting information) for the role of council member can be submitted electronically via the: Online Submission Form

Further information

Please contact the MFAC Executive Officer at mfac@dpird.nsw.gov.au or on 0436 477 004.

Closing date: Sunday 1 November 2026

Background

The Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Council has been established to provide the Minister with high-level strategic policy advice on issues relating to the management of fisheries resources in NSW.

This will include broad advice to assist with the management of commercial fishing, recreational/charter fishing and Aboriginal cultural fishing as well as issues which impact across fisheries and sectors such as resource sharing, co-management, cost recovery and ecosystem based fisheries management.

The Council operates under a Charter (PDF, 82.79 KB) which sets out the objectives and mode of operation of the Council and the roles and responsibilities of members.

Membership

The composition of the Council is prescribed under clause 287 of the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2010. The Council is to be composed of 5 voting members and an independent Chair, all appointed by Cabinet on the nomination of the Minister. In addition, a senior member of the department will attend as an ex officio (non voting) member.

The 5 voting members of the Council are to include the following:

  • one person who the Minister is satisfied has expertise in commercial fishing or will represent commercial fishing interests,
  • one person who the Minister is satisfied has expertise in recreational fishing or will represent recreational fishing interests,
  • one person who the Minister is satisfied has expertise in aquaculture or will represent aquaculture interests,
  • one person who the Minister is satisfied has expertise in Aboriginal cultural fishing or will represent Aboriginal cultural fishing interests,
  • one person who the Minister is satisfied has expertise in conservation of aquatic resources or will represent those conservation interests.

Current membership

We are currently undertaking an expression of interest process for membership to MFAC - see above.

Meetings

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au