Nationals' Attempt to Overturn Demersal Fishing Ban Faces Certain Failure in Parliament
A disallowance motion aimed at reversing the Cook Government's comprehensive ban on demersal fishing across much of Western Australia is poised to fall short in Parliament, with the Opposition unable to overcome Labor's commanding majority. The motion, introduced on Wednesday by Geraldton MP Kirrilee Warr, seeks to overturn the prohibition that restricts both recreational and commercial fishers from catching demersal fish between Augusta and Kalbarri.
Criticism of Government Management and Science
Ms Warr argued that years of inconsistent management by Fisheries Ministers over the past decade have led to the current crisis. She emphasized that most fishers, whether commercial or recreational, have adhered to the rules, only to face sudden and drastic changes from the Government. "We're saying simply, 'woah, woah, woah, everything's collapsing, everything's collapsing'," she stated, questioning the timing of the scientific evidence and suggesting it did not emerge overnight.
Premier's Defense and Accusations
Premier Roger Cook launched a strong defense of the ban, accusing Ms Warr of ignoring scientific data and pursuing a populist agenda to gain votes. He claimed she had been briefed on the science but chose to disregard it, labeling her stance as anti-fishing and anti-environment. "The member for Geraldton knows what the science is, she's now trying to cover her eyes, cover her ears, close her mouth," he asserted, highlighting the Government's commitment to evidence-based policy.
Opposition Support Despite Unfavorable Odds
The Liberals have thrown their support behind the motion, with Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas acknowledging the numerical disadvantage but criticizing the Government's approach. He described the ban as a draconian and drastic measure that has severely impacted livelihoods and family life in regional communities, blaming a decade of Labor mismanagement for the situation.
Despite the motion's likely failure, it is expected to resonate strongly with regional voters, highlighting ongoing tensions between environmental conservation and economic interests in Western Australia.
