The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP
Minister for Primary Industries
Minister for Small Business
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 18 March 2013
THE WORLD IS OUR OYSTER – SYDNEY HOSTS
INTERNATIONAL SHELLFISH SAFETY CONFERENCE
The NSW shellfish industry will shine bright on the world stage this week as more than 200
delegates from 30 countries converged on Sydney for the 9th International Conference on
Molluscan Shellfish Safety.
Officially opening the conference today Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson
acknowledged the strength of the brains trust that has come together to share their
expertise and collaborate on the challenges facing the sector.
“It is great for NSW to host such a diverse and esteemed group of shellfish producers,
scientists and regulators for the industry’s premier global event,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“Our local shellfish industry and on a wider front, shellfish consumers, will receive great
benefit from the information to be shared about public health protection and industry
sustainability.”
The NSW oyster industry is the State’s largest fishery by value employing more than 1500
people directly, and is primarily in regional areas contributing greatly to those economies.
“The NSW Government is a strong supporter of the State’s shellfish industry, through the
provision of research and support services, by protecting water quality and by overseeing
industry food safety programs,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“I am proud of NSW’s reputation as a leading provider of safe, fresh and high quality
shellfish that has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of the industry itself
and this Government’s commitment.
“We have a robust food safety management program for shellfish in place that has been in
operation since 2000.
“As a result the shellfish industry in NSW has a good safety record,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
Hosted by the NSW Food Authority, the 9th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish
Safety officially opens today and concludes on Friday 22 March.