About Us

The Seafood Importers Association of Australasia Inc. (SIAA) consists of 30 member companies, representing about 70% of all edible seafood products imported into Australia.  The combined business turnover of our members is approaching one billion Australian dollars annually.

The Association was formed in 1969 and is officially recognised at all levels of government and industry, both locally and internationally.

As a responsible industry organization, the SIAA actively contributes to discussions on issues such as bio-security:  the appropriate levels of quarantine applied to imports to protect Australia's environment and primary industries; and food safety:  the setting of appropriate standards, certification and inspection/testing of imports.

The following is a list of the main organisations SIAA is now a member of, or is affiliated with.

• AQIS Imported Food Consultative Council (permanent appointment).
• Seafood Industry Conference (advisory committee to NSW Health Minister - permanent appointment by State Cabinet).
• Seafood Experience Australia (SIAA is represented on the board of directors).
• Seafood Services Australia (SIAA a major client sector).
• Seafood Trade and Market Access Forum (SIAA is member of executive committee).
• Australian Fish Names Committee (permanent position for SIAA under Australian Standard).
• Seafood Industry Network (SIAA is regular participant).
• Food & Beverage Industry Association (affiliate).

The SIAA sees itself as part of the broader Australian seafood industry, alongside the National Aquaculture Council, State Seafood Industry Councils, and the major R&D organisations such as the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation and the Seafood Cooperative Research Centre.

The SIAA is an incorporated association (under the NSW Incorporated Associations Act). Its Annual General Meeting is held in September. An executive committee meets quarterly.

Current Committee:

Norman Grant (Executive Chairman)                                                                      

George Kailis (Vice Chairman)                                                                                          Kailis Bros Pty Ltd

Harry Peters AM (Immediate Past Chairman)                                                      Marine Product Marketing Pty Ltd

Andy Williams                                                                                                                               A&T Trading Pty Ltd

Vincent Lee                                                                                                                              Oceanic Food Pty Ltd

Doug Miller                                                                                                                              Markwell Foods Pty Ltd

Michael Steele                                                                                                                              Pacific West Pty Ltd

Dennis Spooner                                                                                                                              International Food Producers Pty Ltd                

Alex Kailis                                                                                                                              Sontari Foods Pty Ltd

Kim Rylands                                                                                                                              Global Seafood Pty Ltd

The SIAA's current key goals:

• Positive Promotion of Seafood and Seafood Imports
• Responsible and Strategic Input to the Seafood Industry Decision-making Process
• Streamlining Trade
• Fair Trading
• Building a Strong Association
• Capacity Building (through affiliates and strategic partnerships)

The SIAA's Statement of Purpose

1. To promote increased consumption of seafood, and to develop and promote public confidence in imported seafood.
2. To provide a united voice for members of the Association, and to safeguard and promote their mutual interests.
3. To represent members of the Association in dealings with industry, government, NGOs, media and the public.
4. To communicate with bodies and individuals on any matters which affect the interests of the Association.
5. To promote an interchange of industry information between members, and to act as a focal point for the collection and dissemination of information and statistics.
6. To encourage and promote market research or technical research or development likely to prove of benefit to Association members and the industry.
7. To monitor technical and professional standards within the industry, and to promote and facilitate professional development.
8. To encourage and foster the highest standards in food safety, environmental sustainability and good business practice, and facilitate assistance in advancing these endeavors where possible.
9. To empower the Association to affiliate with other Associations as desired.
10. To provide social activities for members, their staff and their families.