Mandatory boat registration in the NT hangs in the balance (of power)
by Media Services on 25 Sep 2010
Gerry Wood holds the balance of power in the NT Parliament - and is against mandatory boat rego. MIAA
Independent MLA Gerry Wood, who holds the balance of power in the Northern Territory Parliament, says he would vote against introducing mandatory boat registration.
Leaked cabinet documents have revealed the Government has agreed in principle to mandatory registration for all motorised boats from next year.
Gerry Wood says he can see the benefits of boat registration but a voluntary system would be more appropriate.
He says the Government should consult the community before a decision is made.
'I think it's worthy of debate,' he said. 'It could be simply a regulation, but [if] it required a change in legislation, yeah, I'd oppose it as I see it. And I think what the Government should do here is talk to the Amateur Fishing Association.
'I think there are some benefits and I think the voluntary way would be the best way.'
He said mandatory boat registration could usher in fishing permits.
'What I fear here is that it's just simply another case of a bit more regulation, a bigger bureaucracy and will it lead to other things like fishing permits, which I don't think is something that we should have in the Territory.'
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