Fishing Victoria Forum

Don’t shoot the messenger

https://transportsafety.vic.gov.au/__da ... ritime.pdf

Recreational boating
Do restrictions on non-essential activities apply to recreational boating and fishing?
• We are asking Victorians to stop all forms of recreational boating to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
• From 11.59pm on Monday 30 March 2020, Victoria is introducing Stage 3 restrictions. There will only be four reasons to leave your house: For food and supplies. For exercise. For medical care. And for work and education – if necessary.
• To be clear, the Premier has described exercise as ‘a walk round the block or a bike ride to stretch your legs and get some fresh air’. This does not include recreational boating.
• Please note Marine Search and Rescue services do not have the same capability to perform rescues on the water as they normally would. Anyone choosing to head out on the water is putting themselves – and others – at increased risk
.
• Our advice is to stay home, take the time to inspect your lifejackets and keep on top of boat maintenance, and prepare for when we have the all clear to head back out.

also, the govt is just trying to keep everyone alive here.
Basically.

The big question is, is it advice or legally enforceable law? We get different information from the deputy chief health officer, transport safety Victoria, VRFish and the water police.

This goes a lot deeper than just fishing. It seems a deliberate ploy to obfuscate and blur the lines between what is rule by law and what is rule by fear of an arbitrarily enforced police state. I know what I’m more scared of.

Right on the money skronkman. Think of it as your free 6 month trial of socialism. 6 million people on welfare and everybody under house arrest and the economy in ruin.

skronkman wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:23 am

The big question is, is it advice or legally enforceable law? We get different information from the deputy chief health officer, transport safety Victoria, VRFish and the water police.

This goes a lot deeper than just fishing. It seems a deliberate ploy to obfuscate and blur the lines between what is rule by law and what is rule by fear of an arbitrarily enforced police state. I know what I’m more scared of.

you got to understand one thing.
the government has had very little time to come up with these laws that are being enforced now. there will always be a grey area.
every other public service sector is still being told how to handle the current situation, they are learning as they go atm, hospitals, councils, vicpol. everyone!!
This is the first time they are facing a massive pandemic, so just cut them some slack for now is all, and let me them do whats best.

skronkman wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:23 am

The big question is, is it advice or legally enforceable law? We get different information from the deputy chief health officer, transport safety Victoria, VRFish and the water police.

This goes a lot deeper than just fishing. It seems a deliberate ploy to obfuscate and blur the lines between what is rule by law and what is rule by fear of an arbitrarily enforced police state. I know what I’m more scared of.

Yes exactly.

Recreational boating sailing and skiing is also different to fishing via a boat and also different again to fishing landbased.

What we need is a clear statement from the government as has been provided in TAS and QLD.

purple5ive wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:17 am

you got to understand one thing.
the government has had very little time to come up with these laws that are being enforced now. there will always be a grey area.
every other public service sector is still being told how to handle the current situation, they are learning as they go atm, hospitals, councils, vicpol. everyone!!
This is the first time they are facing a massive pandemic, so just cut them some slack for now is all, and let me them do whats best.

Yes I agree 100% and I have no doubt most people are trying to do there best.
The problems are as follows. The laws were publicised as coming into effect midnight Monday yet the legislation was not available until 12hrs later.

The police appear to be enforcing laws that do not exist (call if grey area) at least 2 examples of this already.

There are not only massive fines but a criminal conviction that will stay with you for life.

Given the situation the laws need further clarification from the government.

purple5ive wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:17 am

skronkman wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:23 am

The big question is, is it advice or legally enforceable law? We get different information from the deputy chief health officer, transport safety Victoria, VRFish and the water police.

This goes a lot deeper than just fishing. It seems a deliberate ploy to obfuscate and blur the lines between what is rule by law and what is rule by fear of an arbitrarily enforced police state. I know what I’m more scared of.

you got to understand one thing.
the government has had very little time to come up with these laws that are being enforced now. there will always be a grey area.
every other public service sector is still being told how to handle the current situation, they are learning as they go atm, hospitals, councils, vicpol. everyone!!
This is the first time they are facing a massive pandemic, so just cut them some slack for now is all, and let me them do whats best.

I’m not having a go at you purple, sorry mate if I come across that way. Your input is to this to topic and this forum in general is highly valued by all members including myself. To me this particular subject is more philosophical.

It is the role of both journalists and an active citizenry to hold government to account and NEVER TRUST them to do the right thing. If they are acting in good faith and with good reason they are also able to face public scrutiny.

If you google and read the state of emergency act you will find that they are laws, while we have a declared state of emergency. Because they are rushed when drafting and then getting passed, they will be full of legal holes. Most are valid for 30 days or till rescinded or re-affirmed for another 30 days. The point is though the Police we spoke to said they will warn once and then book you and you can take it to the magistrate if you think you have a case. So best do the right thing and follow what the police /transport safety and the premier say. Ignore the rest as they are interpreting it their way.
Local police were out on patrol here this morning. They were keeping an eye on those walking running etc. They were also checking boating activity. I noticed a pleasure boat headed offshore fishing today and a couple more on the lake. some jut don't get it.

I read the act but would not profess to have absorbed it or understand it. What i did get was a premier or prime minister can declared a law and then the parliament must pass it within seven days or it lapses. It lapses after 30 days. Anyway maybe someone else here can read it and interpret it for us yokels.

skronkman wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:42 am

purple5ive wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:17 am

skronkman wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:23 am

The big question is, is it advice or legally enforceable law? We get different information from the deputy chief health officer, transport safety Victoria, VRFish and the water police.

This goes a lot deeper than just fishing. It seems a deliberate ploy to obfuscate and blur the lines between what is rule by law and what is rule by fear of an arbitrarily enforced police state. I know what I’m more scared of.

you got to understand one thing.
the government has had very little time to come up with these laws that are being enforced now. there will always be a grey area.
every other public service sector is still being told how to handle the current situation, they are learning as they go atm, hospitals, councils, vicpol. everyone!!
This is the first time they are facing a massive pandemic, so just cut them some slack for now is all, and let me them do whats best.

I’m not having a go at you purple, sorry mate if I come across that way. Your input is to this to topic and this forum in general is highly valued by all members including myself. To me this particular subject is more philosophical.

It is the role of both journalists and an active citizenry to hold government to account and NEVER TRUST them to do the right thing. If they are acting in good faith and with good reason they are also able to face public scrutiny.

i didnt see it as you having a go at me mate, everyone has their opinion which they are entitled to.
cheers