The Opposition has condemned the Cook Labor Government’s shortsighted and reckless approach to Marine Parks, citing poor planning processes and a lack of community consultation.
In Parliament today, as a Matter of Public Interest, Deputy Opposition Leader Peter Rundle pointed to the Government’s reckless approach to Marine Parks, which demonstrates another senseless attack on a sustainable primary industry.
Mr Rundle said the planning process for the proposed Marine Parks by the WA Labor Government has been marred by controversies, raising serious concerns about its efficacy and transparency.
“There are persistent issues within the machinery of Government, with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA) failing to cooperate effectively,” Mr Rundle said.
“This failure to work together compromises the integrity of decision-making processes and leaves crucial matters, such as Marine Parks, susceptible to poor planning and inadequate assessment.”
“We have also seen the concerning influence of a US-based lobby group – The Pew Charitable Trusts. It is completely inappropriate that the voice of an overseas lobby group is put ahead of the local community and industry.”
Shadow Fisheries Minister Colin de Grussa, who has been raising concerns for almost two years says the recent release of internal DPIRD documents under Freedom of Information (FoI) laws, clearly shows the Cook Labor Government has consistently demonstrated a disregard for regional communities impacted by their policies.
“Time and time again, decisions are made without adequate consultation or consideration of the consequences for the livelihoods of those living in regional areas,” Mr de Grussa said.
“The lack of concern displayed by the WA Labor Government towards regional communities is deeply troubling. The impact of their reckless ideological decisions is felt far beyond the walls of Parliament, affecting the lives and livelihoods of hardworking Western Australians in regional areas.
The Cook Labor Government needs to reconsider its approach to Marine Parks, and must use a more inclusive and evidence-based decision-making process that takes into account the concerns of affected communities and ensures the sustainability of our world class primary industries.”
