Australian Spearfishing Association
January 2025 Update
Thank you to all those that have contributed to the proposal so far. There has been overwhelming support for change with only one submission supporting the status quo.
In response to your queries the survey has been updated to provide a link to the different available structures for sporting bodies in Australia.
In response to the specific concerns raised by one survey respondent, a detailed response is included below. We welcome all feedback, positive and negative, as we work towards a better and united future which protects and nourishes the sport for future generations.​​
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The Clear Need for ASA
The ASA is being proposed in response to long-standing concerns from the spearfishing community about gaps in the current representation under the AUF structure. These include:
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Focused Advocacy: The AUF’s broad mandate across multiple underwater sports often leads to competing priorities, which has diluted the focus on spearfishing-specific issues.
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Effective Representation: Past challenges, such as lack of response to critical issues, highlight the need for a dedicated body to advocate for spearfishers.
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Transparent Governance: The ASA’s structure will be member-driven, fostering grassroots participation and ensuring all members have a say in the future of the sport.
We recognise that some may not feel these issues directly impact their clubs today, but for many, these challenges have limited the ability of spearfishing to grow, unite, and respond to emerging threats.
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Reducing, Not Increasing, Administrative Workload
The ASA’s goal is to simplify administration and reduce duplication by:
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Providing Clearer Focus: By focusing solely on spearfishing, the ASA avoids the complexities of representing multiple underwater sports, ensuring administrative efforts are targeted and efficient.
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Streamlining Processes: ASA will develop tools and resources to ease the burden on clubs, such as streamlined membership management, insurance options, and templates for policies like child safety compliance.
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Centralised Advocacy: With a dedicated structure, the ASA will handle state and national representation, lobbying, and regulatory engagement, reducing the need for individual clubs to navigate these on their own.
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Building on What Works
We acknowledge the importance of leveraging the existing foundations of the AUF and have carefully considered alternative options. However, the ASA offers a unique opportunity to:
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Unite the Spearfishing Community: A dedicated focus on spearfishing allows the ASA to better align with the specific interests of spearfishers nationwide.
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Learn from Success Stories: International examples, such as the British Spearfishing Association, show how a focused organisation can successfully engage with stakeholders, advocate for members, and strengthen the sport.
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Foster Sustainability: While establishing a new entity involves effort, the long-term benefits of clear representation, transparent governance, and unified advocacy outweigh the initial costs.
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Balancing Narrow Focus with Broader Engagement
Far from isolating spearfishing, the ASA will actively build relationships with stakeholders across the broader underwater sports community, government bodies, and environmental groups. This focus will:
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Ensure the unique voice of spearfishers is clearly heard.
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Maintain collaborative opportunities with aligned interests.
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Avoid being overshadowed by competing priorities within a broader organisation.
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The Case for ASA’s Cost and Benefit
The benefits of the ASA justify the investment in its establishment by:
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Enhancing Advocacy: A focused body ensures spearfishing has a strong, independent voice when engaging with regulators and stakeholders.
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Increasing Member Engagement: A grassroots, member-driven model fosters greater participation and accountability.
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Providing Tailored Support: The ASA will offer customised tools, training, and resources specifically for spearfishing clubs, reducing compliance burdens and administrative complexity.
We understand that the ASA represents a significant change and that change can raise questions. However, we firmly believe that a focused, streamlined, and member-led organisation is the best way to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Australian spearfishing.
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Thank you again for your feedback, and we encourage you to continue engaging in this discussion. Your insights are invaluable in shaping a future that supports and strengthens our community.
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