WRITING TEMPLATES

Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Strengthen Fisheries Enforcement in Victoria

Dear [MP’s Name],

I hope you are well.

I am writing to express my deep concern about the potential weakening of fisheries enforcement in Victoria and the significant consequences this would have on our economy, marine environment, and local communities. Strong enforcement is essential to protecting our fisheries, supporting sustainable industry practices, and ensuring the long-term viability of one of Victoria’s most valuable natural resources.

If enforcement is weakened, the impacts will be severe:

• Economic damage: Victoria’s fishing industry and tourism generate millions in revenue, supporting coastal and regional communities. Without proper enforcement, poaching and overfishing could lead to stock depletion, business closures, and job losses.

• Unfair competition for commercial fishers: Law-abiding operators will suffer as illegal fishers exploit weakened oversight, leading to an uneven playing field and supply chain disruptions.

• Increased organised crime activity: Illegal fishing is often linked to broader criminal networks. Reducing fisheries officers could weaken oversight and make it easier for black-market operations to thrive.

• Environmental harm: Overfishing and habitat destruction could cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and protected species.

• Public safety concerns: Fewer enforcement officers on the water mean reduced oversight of boating safety, increasing the risk of accidents and non-compliance with marine regulations.

I urge you to take action to ensure that fisheries enforcement remains strong and well-resourced. Protecting Victoria’s fish stocks and marine environment is not just an environmental issue—it is an economic and social necessity.

I would appreciate your response on this matter and any steps you are taking to address these concerns. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your reply.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Details]

Subject: [One-liner explaining the issue]

Dear [MP’s Name],

[Friendly Introduction - remember we aren’t mad at the MP, we are mad at the issue]

I am writing to … [Explain why you’re writing, and the impact of the issue ie. sustainability, safety etc]

If [Describe issue/change], the impacts will be severe:

• [Impact Category – e.g., Economic impact]: [Explain how this will affect jobs, businesses, or financial stability]

• [Impact Category – e.g., Unfair competition]: [Explain how this disadvantages those following the rules]

• [Impact Category – e.g., Environmental damage]: [Describe risks to ecosystems, wildlife, or sustainability]

• [Impact Category – e.g., Public safety concerns]: [Explain risks related to safety, compliance, or enforcement]

I urge you to [State your request – e.g., take action, oppose/support a policy, allocate resources]. Protecting [Affected area – e.g., local businesses, marine environment] is not just an environmental issue—it is an economic and social necessity.

I would appreciate your response on this matter and any steps you are taking to address these concerns. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your reply.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Details]

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Postcode]

[Your Email]

[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

[MP’s Name]

Member for [Electorate]

[Parliamentary Office Address]

[City, State, Postcode]

Subject: Urgent Need to Strengthen Fisheries Enforcement in Victoria

Dear [MP’s Name],

I am writing to express my concern about the potential weakening of fisheries enforcement in Victoria and the serious consequences this could have on our economy, marine environment, and local communities. Strong enforcement is essential to maintaining sustainable fish stocks, supporting the seafood industry, and ensuring fairness for those who follow the law.

If fisheries enforcement is reduced, the impacts will be severe:

• Economic impact: Victoria’s fishing industry and tourism generate millions in revenue each year, supporting coastal and regional businesses. Without proper enforcement, illegal fishing and overfishing could deplete fish stocks, leading to business closures and job losses.

• Unfair competition for commercial fishers: Law-abiding operators will struggle to compete as illegal fishers exploit weakened oversight, creating an uneven playing field. This could disrupt supply chains, impact seafood availability, and increase costs for consumers.

• Organised crime risks: Illegal fishing is often linked to broader black-market activities. Weaker enforcement could allow criminal networks to expand, putting additional pressure on law enforcement agencies.

• Environmental damage: Overfishing and habitat destruction could cause irreversible harm to marine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and protected species.

• Public safety concerns: Fisheries officers play a crucial role in enforcing boating regulations. With fewer officers on patrol, there will be an increased risk of accidents, unsafe boating practices, and reduced compliance with marine safety laws.

I urge you to take action to ensure that fisheries enforcement remains strong and well-resourced. Protecting Victoria’s fish stocks and marine environment is not just an environmental issue—it is an economic and social necessity.

I would appreciate your response on this matter and any steps you are taking to address these concerns. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Postcode]

[Your Email]

[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

[MP’s Name]

Member for [Electorate]

[Parliamentary Office Address]

[City, State, Postcode]

Subject: [Insert Subject Here]

Dear [MP’s Name],

I am writing to express my concern about [Briefly state the issue] and the significant consequences this could have on [Key affected areas: economy, environment, community, etc.]. Strong enforcement is essential to [Why this matters – sustainability, fairness, safety, etc.].

If [Describe the issue or policy change], the impacts will be severe:

• [Impact Category – e.g., Economic impact]: [Explain how this will affect jobs, businesses, or financial stability]

• [Impact Category – e.g., Unfair competition]: [Explain how this disadvantages those following the rules]

• [Impact Category – e.g., Environmental damage]: [Describe risks to ecosystems, wildlife, or sustainability]

• [Impact Category – e.g., Public safety concerns]: [Explain risks related to safety, compliance, or enforcement]

I urge you to [State your request – e.g., take action, oppose/support a policy, allocate resources]. Protecting [Affected area – e.g., local businesses, marine environment] is not just an environmental issue—it is an economic and social necessity.

I would appreciate your response on this matter and any steps you are taking to address these concerns. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]