Media Release | 6 October 2026
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Fisheries
Hon. Rob Horstman MLC
Shadow Minister for Volunteering
Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA has questioned the Cook Labor Government’s approach to shark mitigation, saying Western Australians still have no clear evidence the current strategy is delivering results.
On Tuesday, the Fisheries Minister announced a $5 million investment into shark mitigation, including increased patrols and expansions to shark tagging and receiver infrastructure.
Ms Warr questioned how the Government could justify further investment without demonstrating the effectiveness of existing measures.
“Before announcing another $5 million, the Minister should explain what evidence exists that the current shark mitigation strategy is working and how this additional investment will improve safety outcomes for Western Australians,” she said.
“No one would argue against investing in public safety, but the community deserves to know how success is being measured and what practical difference this package will make in the water.”
“Regional communities such as Geraldton, Esperance and Albany, where recent attacks have occurred, deserve certainty that they will receive the support and protection they need heading into summer.
“The promise to double shark tagging might sound impressive, but communities deserve clarity on when it will happen, where it will occur and how it will improve public safety.
“We still do not have up-to-date information from the Commonwealth on shark populations in our waters, so Western Australians deserve to know whether the Minister has sought updated advice to help inform these decisions.”
Ms Warr said transparency and accountability must underpin any expansion of the State’s shark mitigation strategy.
“The Minister is asking Western Australians to have confidence in an expanded shark mitigation strategy without showing how the existing strategy is being measured or whether it is delivering results,” she said.
“The Government needs to demonstrate what is working, what is not, and how this additional investment will be measured moving forward.”
Shadow Minister for Volunteering Hon. Rob Horstman MLC said volunteer surf lifesavers needed support to ensure their workload was not stretched as a result of additional patrols.
“Surf Life Saving WA will play a significant role as part of this funding, and our volunteers will have an important role in its delivery,” he said.
“There is a continued reliance on volunteers as part of the strategy, and it will be important for the Cook Labor Government to support them through this process, particularly the skilled drone operators who will help deliver these additional surveillance measures.”
ENDS
