Re: Independent review of NSW Marine Parks

[Nete-Quette]

The Honourable Carmel Tebbutt, BEc, MP
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment,
Level 30
Governor Macquarie Tower,
1 Farrer Place,
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Dear Minister,

Re: Independent review of NSW Marine Parks

One of the basic tenets of science is that theory must be testable by experiment or observation, and the results must be peer reviewed. It is the opinion of many that the theory behind the marine parks of NSW has not been peer reviewed.

Your predecessor, The Hon. Verity Firth, had proposed an independent review of the science in these marine parks, as indicated in a letter to Alan Ashton, Member for East Hills: ?A review of scientific monitoring and research in NSW Marine Parks is due to commence later this year, and the Marine Parks Authority has recently agreed to establish an independent and expert-based science panel to undertake this review.?

At a presentation at DPI Fisheries Cronulla offices on 30th October 2008 Emeritus Professor Bob Kearney renewed his calls for an independent review of the science behind NSW marine parks. Professor Kearney also indicated his disappointment that the review indicated by The Hon. Verity Firth had not transpired.

Minister, in the best interest of all stakeholders and accountable government, can you make this review happen and can you inform us promptly when it will happen.


Yours sincerely



Phillip Ingram
President
Anglers Action Group

[CEO]

 Thanks again Phil for your continuing significant contributions to the recreational fishing fraternity. The easy answer is that Balmain's Verity Firth gave the committment. Carmel Tebutt is under no such obligation. She can see only further embarrassment for her government in any such undertaking and this is all about survival and politics NOT truth and science!
  We all eagerly await any response.