More than usual, something fishy was going on at parliament on Thursday.
Assistant minister Anne Ruston launched the 2017 Australian Fish and Chips Awards to a room smelling more than slightly of fresh seafood.
"Tomorrow is Sustainable Seafood Day and I think there is no better time for us to be announcing these awards so we can find the best fish and chip shop in Australia," she said.
The event, promoting Australia's sustainable fisheries, gives consumers a vote in choosing between Australia's 3500 fish and chip shops.
"The bigger message is that Australian seafood is sustainable and it tastes great," Senator Ruston said.
"Next time you go to the footy, ask for fish and chips instead of a meat pie."
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation representative Peter Horvat said it was the third time a distinct award for best fish and chip shop had been held.
"What better way to educate our consumers through something that's familiar to everyone - and fish and chips are certainly that," he said.
One Nation senator Pauline Hanson, a notable former fish and chip shop owner, attended the event but was not seen to consume the various seafood samples on offer.
A set of five criteria will be used to rate fish and chips competitors in the award: taste, service, choice, information and labelling.
The national winner will be announced on September 28 at the National Seafood Industry Awards in Sydney.
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