Media Release | 4 December 2025
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Fisheries
Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA has blasted the Cook Labor Government for a “shocking and dangerous oversight” after commercial fishers were issued a DPIRD letter directing them to a mental-health support service that no longer exists.
The letter, sent to operators impacted by the Government’s sudden demersal fishing closures, lists Stay Afloat as a crisis-support contact, despite the service being defunded on 30 September, shut down in Western Australia, and its helpline number now diverted to an organisation that has no knowledge of the program.
Ms Warr said the error was “unacceptable and irresponsible,” particularly given the level of distress many fishing families are currently experiencing.
“Fishers have just been told their livelihoods are being shut down, and the Government’s idea of support is a phone number for a mental-health service that hasn’t existed for months,” Ms Warr said.
“Worse still, the number now rings through to an organisation with no connection to Stay Afloat and no understanding of why distressed fishers are calling. This isn’t just irresponsible — it’s dangerous.”
“Fishers are already telling me they’re struggling with the mental toll of having their livelihoods, and the identities tied to them, taken away almost overnight.
Ms Warr said the Government and Minister must apologise to commercial fishers for both the bungled announcement and the careless distribution of outdated mental-health advice at a time when people are already under immense pressure.
“The fishing community deserves better than a Government that can’t even get a helpline number right,” Ms Warr said.
ENDS
