Fishery working groups provide Fisheries Queensland with operational advice on the management of our fisheries.
The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring fisheries resources are managed in a sustainable and responsible manner that recognises the interests of all Queenslanders.
An important part of fisheries management is stakeholder engagement through working groups. This is a key action under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.
Roles and responsibilities
Fishery working groups are advisory only – they are not decision-making bodies.
Working groups provide advice within the scope of their terms of reference. This advice is considered alongside advice, information and requirements from:
- Fisheries Queensland
- Fisheries Expert Panel
- other government agencies
- public consultation feedback.
Collectively, this informs decisions on the management of our fisheries.
Members
Working groups include a range of stakeholders, including:
- commercial fishers
- recreational fishers
- Indigenous representatives
- charter operators
- seafood marketers and processors
- people with conservation experience.
Every 2 years, positions are advertised via an open expression of interest process. Membership is on a voluntary basis for up to 2 years.
There are no payments for members for being part of the working group. However, members are reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses including domestic travel, accommodation costs, motor vehicle allowances and meals.
Governance
The fishery working groups guideline (PDF, 309 KB) outlines:
- governance and operating arrangements
- process for establishing working groups.
Last updated: 22 Oct 2026