NSW fishing licence agent prosecuted for backdating licence

A NSW fishing licence agent from Yarrawonga has been prosecuted in the Finley Local Court on 14 September for backdating a NSW fishing licence.

The 38 year-old man was fined $400 with $63 court costs for backdating a NSW fishing licence.

The fisher who obtained the backdated licence from the agent was fined $200 for not having a licence and $300 for knowingly producing a false document.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Supervising Fisheries Officer Peter Tilbrook said in March he had approached a fisher who was fishing from a boat in Lake Mulwala to see if he was licensed.

“He was unable to produce a licence at the time and later faxed a licence to the fisheries office at Albury.

“Following investigation, it was found the licence had been backdated by a fishing licence agent at Yarrawonga.”

Mr Tilbrook said that to aid and abet the production of a false document was a serious crime under the Crimes Act and the NSW Fisheries Management Act.

“Fishing licences can be checked on a data base which can reveal discrepancies,” he said.

“Agents should be aware that if they flout the law they may well be apprehended.”

The maximum penalty they face for this offence is $22 000 or imprisonment for three months or both.

“Funds raised by NSW recreational fishing licences go back into the recreational fishing fund, which in turn is used to support recreational fishers in the general community,” Mr Tilbrook said.

For further information on obtaining fishing licences or any other fisheries matters please contact a NSW DPI Fisheries Office or local tackle shop, or see the fisheries section of the website.

Media contact: Kelly Stevens on (02) 8289 3949.