Media Release | 18 February 2026
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Fisheries
Shadow Fisheries Minister Kirrilee Warr MLA has slammed the Cook Labor Government following confirmation the Fisheries Minister intends to introduce mandatory catch reporting for recreational fishers; despite clear election assurances this would not occur.
Ms Warr said the stunning backflip was further proof fisheries management in Western Australia had descended into chaos under the current Minister.
“Before the election, the Premier gave recreational fishers a clear guarantee, there would be no mandatory catch reporting,” Ms Warr said.
“Yet this morning, the Minister went on ABC Radio and confirmed that mandatory reporting will in fact be introduced.” Ms Warr said.
“During Question Time the Premier also confirmed the election promise would be broken. That is a direct contradiction of what Western Australians were promised.”
Ms Warr said when she put the question directly to the Premier in Parliament, asking which species would be affected and when the changes would commence, he refused to provide any detail.
“The only thing the Premier managed to confirm was that the election promise would be broken,” she said.
“He offered no clarity, he waffled, and he refused to take responsibility for his own Government’s decision.
“Western Australian fishers were given a clear commitment before the election. Now they are being treated like that commitment meant nothing.
“They deserve straight answers and honesty, not spin and broken promises.”
Ms Warr said the Cook Labor Government’s handling of fisheries had become increasingly erratic, leaving both recreational and commercial fishers with no certainty about their future.
“We have seen snap bans, broken promises, and now policy being announced on radio without any transparency or consultation,” she said.
“Fishers across Western Australia no longer have any confidence that this Minister will act in good faith.
“This is a Fisheries Minister who cannot be trusted to keep her word, cannot provide certainty, and cannot provide stability.
Ms Warr called on the Government to immediately clarify its position and honour the commitments made to Western Australian fishers.
ENDS
