Media Release | 6 November 2026
Kirrilee Warr MLA
Shadow Minister for Fisheries
Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA says evidence presented during this week’s Parliamentary Inquiry into the Cook Labor Government’s handling of the demersal fishing ban has revealed a crisis of confidence in fisheries management, and a deep breakdown in trust between the Government and the fishing industry.
Ms Warr, who listened in to the three days of public hearings, said it was clear from the evidence presented by fishers, industry representatives and stakeholders that confidence in the Government’s management of the sector had been severely eroded.
“The message throughout the hearings was clear: trust between the fishing sector and the Cook Government has been badly damaged. The evidence pointed to a series of decisions and failures in communication that had contributed to some of the most severe fishing restrictions in the State’s history,” Ms Warr said.
“This week we heard from people whose livelihoods, businesses and communities have been directly affected by these decisions, and there was a consistent concern about transparency, consultation and accountability.
“Fishers repeatedly told the Committee they felt ignored, shut out of the process and treated with contempt by a Government that claimed it was listening.
“The hearings also highlighted concerns about the timing and release of an independent review of the science behind the ban, raising legitimate questions about transparency and decision-making.”
Ms Warr said it was clear that nobody disputed the importance of sustainable fisheries management, but all agreed that sustainability must be backed by robust science, transparency and genuine engagement with those affected.
“What became clear this week is that confidence in the Government’s management of our fisheries has been seriously eroded. The Cook Government must now carefully consider the evidence presented to the Inquiry and be prepared to examine every credible option put forward by industry.
“This cannot become another exercise where stakeholders are invited to participate only to have their concerns ignored.
“Fishing families, businesses and coastal communities deserve answers, and they deserve confidence that future decisions will be based on transparency, consultation and sound science.”
Ms Warr said she would continue advocating for a sustainable future for Western Australia’s fishing industry, ensuring the voices of those most affected were heard and the Government was held accountable for its decisions.
ENDS
