Seafood industry fears broken promise on labelling

The Albanese government’s promise to make hospitality venues indicate where there seafood came from has not been fulfilled.

More than 86,000 consumers signed petitions asking for mandatory country-of-origin Labelling for seafood sold in the food service industry.

The fishing industry fears a Labor pledge to require all hospitality venues to indicate the origin of the fish on their menus has been overlooked by the Albanese ­government.

They say time is running out for Industry Minister Ed Husic to implement the promised requirements ahead of the federal election, or before a scheduled July start date.

Country-of-origin labelling for seafood served in fish and chip shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs was a key commitment by Labor ahead of the 2022 election, but there has been little movement on the issue since November 2023 when state and federal consumer affairs ministers voted unanimously to implement it.

Seafood Industry Australia chief executive Veronica Papacosta said a failure to implement the scheme would be seen 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 an industry doesn’t come to fruition.”

Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta. Picture: Elise Kaine

After committing to the scheme, the government budgeted $3m for an industry and public awareness campaign to be rolled out with enough time to enable a smooth transition to new rules.

Businesses were last year called on to provide input on developing the awareness material, but since then, the government has made no announcements about 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,” Ms 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.”

The labelling scheme will require hospitality venues to clearly label whether the seafood on their menus came from Australia or overseas.

Origins would be indicated next to a product with an A, for Australia, I for international, or M for mixed.

The fishing and aquaculture sectors applauded the move when it was confirmed by the government in 2023 after years of campaigning.

They said it would provide transparency for consumers and showcase the quality of locally caught or farmed seafood.

Some business groups opposed the measure, arguing it would increase red tape for small businesses and require constant updating of menus.

The next federal election must be held on or before May 17.

Mr Husic’s office did not respond to questions.