Media Release | 5 October 2026
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Fisheries
Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA says serious questions need to be answered about the data underpinning Western Australia’s shark mitigation strategy, with the Cook Labor Government continuing to rely on external population estimates, while spending millions of dollars on shark management measures.
It follows reports from former WA fisheries scientist Jim Penn, who has more than 40 years’ experience in fisheries stock assessment in Australia and overseas, estimating shark numbers off the WA coast could be as high as 10,000. By comparison CSIRO population estimates relied upon by the State Government, last updated in 2018, place the figure at around 1,500.
Ms Warr said the public needs to have confidence the system is working to feel safe.
“The Fisheries Minister and the Premier have confirmed the WA Government is reliant on CSIRO data in order to inform their actions,” she said.
“Investing in shark mitigation is important, but effective management depends on reliable and current information. How can the Government be confident its strategy is working if shark population data is years out of date? Western Australians deserve greater transparency about the data being used to justify these decisions and assess whether the strategy is achieving results.”
Ms Warr said there needed to be a review of the strategy to ensure the safety of people in the water, where practical.
“I have written to the Fisheries Minister formally requesting a review into WA’s shark mitigation strategy be conducted,” she said.
“It’s disappointing the Minister has not responded and continues to deflect responsibility instead of taking accountability. A review could provide an opportunity to examine the effectiveness of the current measures, consider alternatives, and ensure public funds are being used appropriately.
“As we approach another summer, Western Australians should be able to trust that shark mitigation measures are being guided by the best up-to-date information and delivering measurable outcomes.”
Ms Warr said this is the latest in a series of errors in the Fisheries portfolio under the Cook Labor Government.
“WA has lost faith in the Cook Labor Government, when it comes to fisheries management,” she said.
“The public made their concerns known in one of the biggest petitions in the State Parliament’s history following the demersal fishing ban, which saw businesses shut with only three weeks’ notice.
“Despite the concerns, we continue to see this Minister continue to flounder when it comes to fishing in WA.”
ENDS
