Fisheries Agreements (Payments) Act 1991

The Fisheries Agreements (Payments) Act 1991 is an Australian federal law that deals with payments under certain fisheries agreements. The Act provides a framework for the payment of amounts to the Commonwealth in exchange for fishing licences granted by the government of another country or by a person other than the government of another country.

Under this Act, if there is an agreement between Australia and another country, AFMA must have regard only to the terms of that agreement when determining whether or not to grant any fishing licences. If an agreement contains a provision under which licenses are agreed to be granted if an amount specified in the provision is paid to the Commonwealth, then AFMA may suspend or revoke a licence held by the holder if the amount concerned is not fully paid.

The Act also provides that AFMA must not grant any of the licenses to which the provision relates unless the amount specified in the provision has been paid to the Commonwealth in accordance with the terms of the provision.

The commencement of this Act is as follows: Sections 1 and 2 commence on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent, while the remaining provisions commence on a day fixed by proclamation or at least six months after receiving the Royal Assent if not specified earlier.

In conclusion, this act provides the mechanism for managing payments under fisheries agreements in Australia.