Media Release | 25 August 2026
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Fisheries
Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA says the overwhelming public response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into fishing in Western Australia demonstrates why the committee must now travel to affected communities to hear directly from those impacted.
With 477 public submissions received, Ms Warr said the scale of community engagement reflected the depth of concern surrounding the Cook Labor Government’s fisheries management.
“The number of submissions shows just how important this issue is to Western Australians,” Ms Warr said.
“People have taken the time to share their stories, concerns and ideas because they want to see a better future for fishing in this State.
“The committee now has a responsibility to ensure those voices are properly heard.”
Ms Warr said written submissions were only the first step and called on the Parliamentary Committee to hold public hearings in regional communities that have borne the brunt of Labor’s fisheries decisions, including Geraldton, Lancelin and Albany.
“These communities have lived through the consequences of these decisions and deserve the opportunity to speak directly to the committee,” she said.
“Regional hearings would allow commercial fishers, recreational fishers, charter operators, tourism businesses, tackle shop owners and local families to give evidence in their own communities, rather than expecting them to travel to Perth.”
Ms Warr said The Nationals WA had been calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry since October last year, following growing concerns from fishing communities across the State.
“From day one, we have fought for greater scrutiny of Labor’s fisheries management,” she said.
“We listened to thousands of Western Australians, secured the support of more than 27,000 people through our petition and ultimately secured this Parliamentary Inquiry.
“This inquiry belongs to the people who fought for it, and they deserve every opportunity to participate in the process.”
ENDS
