'Celebration of an icon': $4 million helping hand announced as fishers reel from COVID impact

Veronica Papacosta © Jessica McInerney

Saturday, June 20 marked an exciting day for the Australian seafood industry with the announcement of $4 million in Federal funding to Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) for use towards a national marketing campaign to promote Australian seafood to the nation, and support the industry's recovery post COVID-19.

"Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, Assistant Minister for Fisheries Senator Jonno Duniam and Queensland Liberal Senator Paul Scarr have announced $4 million in funding toward a national marketing campaign to promote Australian seafood to the nation," SIA Interim CEO Veronica Papacosta said.

"This campaign will support the industry's recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"SIA, on behalf of our members and the entire Australian seafood industry, would like to thank the Coalition for their support towards this campaign, and unwavering support throughout the COVID-19 economic crisis.

"This funding will allow the Australian seafood industry to deliver a 12-month national awareness program designed to provide a much needed boost to the Australia seafood industry, and the supply chain that supports it including retailers and foodservice, as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

"Australian seafood is iconic, but it is not yet a brand. This campaign represents the industry's move to establish Australian Seafood as a brand in its own right, and we couldn't be any more excited to promote Australian seafood, to Australian consumers.

"A national approach to marketing has been a long time coming, and it will be our job to ensure a united approach remains a focus for industry moving forward.

"Australian seafood is the best in the world, our commercial fisheries are global leaders in sustainability and it's time we celebrated an undisputed national icon.

"Post-COVID-19 we're noticing a change in Australian consumers and they're prioritising Australian produce. This provides us with a wonderful opportunity to position our clean and sustainable Australian seafood to domestic consumers, as they adjust their purchasing behaviours and prioritise the importance of Australian origin.

"The need for trust and confidence in our food sources, supply-chains and long-term resource sustainability is more necessary than ever before.

"This campaign will be focus on one clear, simple message to eat Australian seafood. So, let's throw another prawn on the barbie and Eat Seafood, Australia!"