1.1
Labor's National Platform states:
In Australian waters and throughout the world's oceans, Labor
will encourage protection for iconic marine species like whales, dugongs,
turtles and sharks, and will promote the conservation and research of key
bioregional health indicator species.
1.2
Labor has a proud record of conservation and ocean protection—it was a
Labor Government that initiated the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and in
2012 put the world's largest network of marine parks in place.
1.3
Labor's network added 40 marine reserves around Australia and increased
marine protection to over 3.1 million square kilometres. This world leading
conservation step is now under attack from the conservative Turnbull Government.
1.4
Labor Senators thank the individuals and organisations who provided
evidence to the committee and appreciate their knowledge and insights.
1.5
Labor Senators support almost all recommendations in the committee's report.
We took part in the committee process in good faith to seek policy improvement
options. Labor supports evidence-based policy—this means solid research and
ensuring data and information are available to researchers and policy makers.
1.6
Shark management is a controversial issue and steps are being taken
around Australia to deliver improved shark protection and safety for
beachgoers.
1.7
Advancements such as SMART drum lines and non-lethal shark mitigation
and deterrent measures are steps in the right direction and States should be
encouraged to use new technology and approaches wherever possible.
1.8
Labor Senators support actions such as those of the Western Australian
Government to undertake aerial and beach patrols, beach enclosures, ongoing
research into shark behaviour and innovative programs such as the Beachsafe
app. More recent measures such as the below are also supported by Labor and
these actions should be looked at by all jurisdictions:
-
a trial rebate of $200 for independently verified devices
purchased by surfers and divers;
-
grants for local councils to install Beach Emergency Numbering
signs to improve emergency response times; and
-
funding for Surf Life Saving WA to use drones to monitor beaches,
two additional receivers to detect tagged sharks and funding for an
additional beach enclosure.
1.9
Labor Senators note the concerns raised around some personal deterrent
devices not being independently verified and support recommendations that
'products marketed as personal shark deterrent devices are independently
verified as being fit‑for-purpose'.
1.10
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(EPBC Act) is the Commonwealth law that protects sharks and relates to
lethal shark control programs.
1.11
The EPBC Act has been in place since the Howard Government and has been
applied by both Labor and the conservatives. The Act is the reason that world
heritage properties such as the Great Barrier Reef are protected and is the
basis of marine reserve management planning. The EPBC Act also means that
threatened species such as Blue Whales, Flatback Turtles, Koalas and some
sharks are protected.
1.12
Labor Senators note that the EPBC Act is being reviewed in 2019 as per section
522A of the Act and the advice that preliminary work by the Department of
Environment and Energy on the review has begun. Labor Senators note that
section 158 relating to lethal shark control programs will be included as
part of the statutory review.
1.13
Labor Senators consider it unfeasible to place a blanket restriction on
the Minister for what could be over 24 months. However, Labor Senators note
that the concept of conducting a 'shark cull' program to rid our ocean of a
particular species as been floated by the previous Western Australian
Government was absurd.
Senator Anne
Urquhart Senator Anthony Chisholm
Senator for
Tasmania Senator for Queensland
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