Join OUR TEAM

Would you like to be part of our research team to assess the debacle that is the demersal fishery in WA State waters?

We work with the best marine scientists, marine veterinarians and marine biologists in Australia. They are all behind the scenes and 100% supportive of our model. You'll get to meet them.

We are funded by the private sector and by some amazing people who believe the environment deserves better than lame ideologically driven science. OR no science at all. Take marine parks as an example!

For way too long science has been controlled by Government. It's a pre-meditated strategy. The system controls the process, the narrative and the outcome, by first controlling the money.

This explains why amazing scientists are reluctant to speak out.

They fear not only upsetting their peers who, let's be honest, are captured by the public purse, but fear ruining the financial viability of their own careers.

That stops with us!

Our scientists design the programs, undertake the research BUT

....we deliver the message.

When asked three weeks ago by the West Australian Newspaper's Senior Political Journalist, Jessica Page, if we would sit down with the WA Premier Roger Cook to discuss the demersal fishing ban, we said NO. (that's on the public record btw).

We'd prefer to do the research properly.

We'll prove, the science will prove, Roger Cook got this VERY VERY wrong. Once we do that, the question won't be:

"...will you sit down with Roger."

The question more importantly will be:

"...will Roger sit down with us?"

It's time for change people. Reach out if you'd like to know more.

Dean Logan

CEO: SMEA

P: 0403 195 798

 

The Marine Park narrative is crumbling before our eyes

 

Small micro-farmers in Tasmania look toward a bleak future due to over regulation.

As the previous CEO of the Rice Industry in Australia, I can't help but lament over the sheer stupidity that prohibits senior policy makers from finding the brain cells to develop 'scaled' policy solutions to key issues facing businesses.

Why are businesses constantly fighting for survival, under both major parties?

In Tasmania the Government is seeking to treat micro-farmers with 2 hectares or less - who grow the most amazing fresh and safe produce for their community - THE SAME as large scale operations that are owned by wealthy foreign investors.

Tasmanian's have a rich history of driving country roads and grabbing the finest produce from stalls and markets.

I know: I grew up in Geeveston.

And yet, here we have a sneaky regulatory review process that seeks to force micro-farmers to comply with the same regulatory environment as large foreign owned producers.

Yes food safety is important. But as it's been proven, the concerns raised by the Department to substantiate the review, were NOT caused by micro farmers at all. The concerns were linked to 'large-scale' operations and 'imports'.

The Government agreed to include in the consultation paper, a proposed Tiered Model. They reneged on that promise. It was sneaky and it was unfair. It has left small micro-farmers with an uncertain future.

Moreover, the 'solutions' proposed by the Department are not evidenced based, proportionate to the risks, or practical. And, what trust was there with farmers, has now been unnecessarily eroded by the Department.

On many fronts Tasmania risks losing something no other jurisdiction has: locational advantage. Tasmania is unique. Unique = value.

The policy solution to this issue is easy: educate, work with, build relationships and develop a tiered model that values 'micro-producers' who farm on 2 hectares or less.

ATM the Department is asking industry to wait: while they read the submissions. Again it's unfair.

Gavin Pearce (The Minister) simply needs to come out and clearly argue a tiered model is the model that will be implemented. Ease concerns and work with this amazing sector to find and implement solutions.

We are all tired of needing to fight for our survival. And this is an easy fix.

 

Powerful Executive Chef Club sends a clear message about who owns the ocean

Absolutely thrilled to have the powerful Executive Chef Club join the Marine Futures Alliance of Australia.

Many people may not be aware, but the Cook Labor Government in Western Australia, only four weeks ago closed 900km of coastline to fishing.

The decision is the purest example of policy failure you will see.

The decision categorically proves marine parks have failed.

But why?

WA already has 2.5 million hectares of Ocean - in State waters (beach to 3 nautical mile mark) dedicated to marine parks, 21 State marine parks. Add to this 13 Commonwealth marine parks in WA alone.

And now the WA Government closes an additional 900km of coastline to fishing and 'buys out' every fisher!

The level of scientific and policy failure is off the chart.

But there is one salient message from this, for all governments and even the opposition: STOP using marine bio-regional planning as a morbid political strategy to suck the oxygen out of the environmental lobby.

It's dumb politics and it's dumb policy!

The ocean is owned by us all.

Fish stocks, industry, communities and consumers deserve better.

Dean Logan
CEO - SMEA
0403 195 798

 

New Alliances Formed: Seafood Consumers Join Forces with Industry to Challenge WA Government Closures

 New Alliance Forged to Protect Australia’s Marine Industry and Seafood Consumers 

MELBOURNE/SYDNEY/PERTH, 8 January 2026 — Small to Medium Enterprise Australia (SMEA) and the Seafood Consumers Association (SCA) today announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at unifying the marine sector and advocating for science-based management of Australia’s oceans. The partnership establishes a strategic front to address the growing economic and social impacts of large-scale marine park closures on local businesses and everyday consumers. 

The collaboration is a direct response to recent policy decisions, most notably the Western Australian Government's move to permanently close 900km of coastline to commercial demersal fishers as of 1 January 2026 and the Victorian Government’s move to eliminate commercial fishing and aquaculture by placing the portfolios in Outdoor Recreation Victoria by July 2026. 

The WA decision, implemented through a $20 million compulsory buyout, has highlighted a critical disconnect between environmental policy and the realities of food security, the health of the community and industry viability. 

Advocating for Growth Over Decline 

The MoU marks the formal support of the SCA for the Marine Futures Alliance of Australia, an initiative dedicated to ensuring that marine policy balances sustainability with the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea. 

Dean Logan, CEO of SMEA, emphasized that the current "terrestrial-based paradigm" of locking up marine areas is failing both the environment and the economy. 

"For too long, marine parks have been used as a political strategy rather than a scientific tool," said Dean Logan. "We are seeing a monumental policy failure where 46% of Australia’s Commonwealth marine environment is closed or restricted, yet we are still seeing drastic, uncoordinated closures that devastate small businesses. In Western Australia, while closures expand, consumers are seeing Kingfish fillets retail for $115 per kg! This is unsustainable. Our goal with the Marine Futures Alliance is to shift the conversation toward superior management aligned to science and incorporating all stakeholders rather than listening to the loudest voices and throwing away the key." 

Protecting the Plate: A Consumer Crisis 

The partnership highlights the severe "flow-on" effects that commercial fishing closures have on the recreational and retail sectors. Data from previous closures in Queensland and New South Wales show a 35.9% decline in full-time equivalent marine sector employees and a 25% downturn in retail output across recreational fishing trade portfolios. 

Peter Wright, Chairman of the SCA, noted that these policies are pricing Australians out of their own local seafood. "Food security is a national priority that is being ignored," stated Peter Wright. "In New South Wales alone, we now import over 82% of our seafood. By partnering with SMEA, we are giving a voice to the millions of seafood consumers who want healthy, sustainable, and affordable local produce. We need to stop the 'recreational versus professional' fisher narrative; it serves no one. Likewise, the fisher v aqua farmer issue. When the commercial sector is squeezed, the entire supply chain, from the local tackle shop to the family dinner table, suffers." 

Key Objectives of the MoU 

The SMEA and SCA have agreed to collaborate on several high-priority areas to revitalize the "Blue Economy". 

• Science Over Politics: Advocating for marine management based on rigorous economic and social feasibility studies rather than political agendas. 

• Food Security & Traceability: Promoting the importance of locally sourced seafood and ensuring consumers have access to transparent, sustainable food sources. 

• Joint Advocacy: Using their combined influence to challenge the "animal rights agenda" that often underpins large-scale closures without considering human impact. 

• Resource Sharing: Combining data and research to professionally and scientifically argue for better management regimes. 

A Call for Unity 

The alliance seeks to replicate the success of previous cross-sector platforms, bringing together recreational anglers, commercial fishers/farmers, boat builders, and hospitality, chefs and foodservice. The parties believe that an adaptive, systems-based approach is the only way to ensure future generations can enjoy both a healthy ocean and a thriving marine industry. 

"The future remains bleak if we do not act now," concluded Dean Logan. "Unity is our only path forward. We are committed to a future built on growth and access, not managed decline." 

About Small to Medium Enterprise Australia (SMEA): SMEA is a leading advocacy group representing the interests of small and medium businesses across Australia, with a focus on sustainable economic policy and industry growth. 

About Seafood Consumers Association (SCA): The SCA represents the interests of Australian seafood consumers, promoting health, nutrition, and the right to access sustainable, affordable locally caught seafood. 

Media Contacts: SCA Media Contact: CEO, Roy Palmer +61 492825012 or seafoodsdg@outlook.com 

SMEA Media Contact: CEO, Dean Logan + 61 403 195798 or admin@smea.com.au 

Coalitions approach to Net Zero needs a clearer strategy

This last week has been horrendous for the Coalition. Jane Hume tabled her ‘nuclear’ bill, Andrew Hastie launched his six point plan to energise the economy and the National Party voted to ditch Net Zero. The lack of leadership and cohesion is the worst many have seen in two decades. There is no plan: just platitudes. Small and medium businesses are crying out for leadership. We really need and deserve better.

The National Party scrapped Net Zero but have an incoherent plan going forward.

Senator Jane Hume tabled her private members bill during the week which is disjointed and strategically problematic.

Andrew Hastie launched his pathway to victory on his own raising real concerns about party unity and cohesion.

The AER argues higher electricity costs for SMEs thanks to the 5,000,000,000 Marinus Link

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) made it very clear in March 2025 that: “The costs of Project Marinus will be recovered through transmission charges levied on Victorian and Tasmanian electricity customers.” CLICK to read the report

When will we say ENOUGH is ENOUGH? Why are we continuing to accept price hikes and burgeoning future generations with such huge debt when there is a very logical and much better solution to generating power?

SMEA Support First Line Responders Australia

We were asked to help develop a service driven model for our amazing first line responders and we couldn’t say no.

First Line Responders Australia (FLRA) supports the amazing work of: police | ambos | fire brigade | nurses and SES.

Watch this space for an official launch announcement.

SMEA Joins Federal Minister to rename yacht after fallen solider

What a great event we had on Saturday 26 July. The renaming event on the weekend was well attended and a great success. Not only did we do something good in honouring a fallen soldier, we also managed to raise the awareness of Sailing On through Chanel 9 News. Mrs Thomas, James’s mother, spoke very well and has asked to pass on her heart felt thanks to all involved and said how much James would have enjoyed the idea. Mrs Thomas has offered to be a spokesperson for us when needed. We should be proud of our achievement in getting The James back in the water after 14 months of work to restore her and 15 years being out of the water. Well done all. Click to see the Ch9 story

SMEA supports charity - Sailing On

We are thrilled to consider the charity Sailing On as a client. Sailing On supports veterans and families navigate life after service through sailing. With bases in Sydney and Perth the organisation has seven yachts and an ambition to register a team in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race in 2026. Check them out: www.sailingonwa.org.au