Petitions

Western Australia’s largest ever e-petition has closed, putting renewed pressure on the Cook Labor Government to call an immediate inquiry into its baseless demersal fishing ban.

Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Kirrilee Warr MLA, says the e-petition, signed by more than 34,000 recreational and commercial fishers and businesses, follows the shock overnight ban on fishing announced just before Christmas.

Since then, the Nationals WA has joined forces with more than 750,000 fishers across the state to demand the release of all scientific evidence which led to the Cook Labor Government’s decision.

“The request to Government is very simple and not a hard ask,” says Ms Warr.

“Fishers simply want to understand the science that led to the decision and they want the opportunity to engage with the Government in genuine consultation.

“The only engagement that has taken place with the Fisheries Minister to date was a half-day forum held last October which was attended by a group of handpicked stakeholders. That was a presentation, not consultation.”

Ms Warr says the Fisheries Minister, Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, has not responded to Freedom of Information requests for documentation which prompted the ban, and the 3000 pages of evidence the Minister says was provided to the Nationals has failed to materialise.

She says fishers have been blindsided by the decision and refused any kind of engagement.

This has left many without a job, without a business, without a pastime and suffering all the financial and mental health concerns that come with that.

“This petition seeks an Inquiry into Western Australia’s fisheries to examine the need for a clear, long-term plan for sustainable fisheries that supports all fishing stakeholders.”

“It must include an examination of the modern challenges that impact fishing such as marine parks, illegal fishing, and energy developments such as seismic testing and wind farm construction. The Government cannot be allowed to make decisions based on a hunch.”

Ms Warr says the ban by the Fisheries Minister was, by her own admission, a “Captain’s call” and the Premier has joked about the “only winners being the dhufish.”

“What a totally amateur and inappropriate way to manage a primary industry and national pastime.

Ms Warr says the petition, which has the support of the Nationals and Liberal alliance, will be tabled in Parliament next week.

“We know from the many fishing forums and rallies we have organised that fishers are not going to go quietly on this issue. They are decent hardworking people who won’t sit silently while their livelihoods are ripped away.”

Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Kirrilee Warr MLA, says the extension of the Nationals WA fishing petition as it passes more than 31,000 signatures demonstrates how gutted communities are about the Labor Government’s demersal fishing bans.

Surging towards an historic record, The Nationals WA fishing petition has been extended until 17 February putting it on track to become the largest e-petition ever lodged in the Legislative Council’s history.

The petition calls for a Parliamentary Inquiry into Western Australia’s fisheries ban which has effectively closed down fishing to hundreds of thousands of recreational and commercial fishers.

Ms Warr says the overwhelming response reflects growing anger as people lose their livelihoods and a generations-old pastime.

“If the growing unrest over Labor’s demersal fishing bans is any indication, the Cook Labor Government has bitten off more than it can chew and badly underestimated the strength and unity of WA’s fishing community,” Ms Warr said.

“In recent weeks we’ve seen protests from fishers, hundreds of personal stories shared online, and grassroots community action where fishers are taking to the streets to protest the bans.”

Ms Warr said the petition’s extension is a reflection of public unrest and the need to ensure every affected West Australian has the opportunity to be heard.

“This petition is on track to make parliamentary history, and that should send a very clear message to the Government,” she said.

“The unrest we’re seeing is the direct result of Labor decimating a major industry and a deeply valued recreational activity with no meaningful consultation, no transparency, and no clear pathway forward.

“If the Cook Labor Government has any empathy or integrity, it will pause the bans and commit to an independent parliamentary inquiry so the science, the modelling and the decision making can be properly scrutinised.”

The Nationals WA will be hosting another community fishing forums in Albany this Thursday (January 29), and in Geraldton on Thursday February 5.

Ms Warr said the forums are an opportunity for communities to unite and fight what has become one of this Government’s most thoughtless and destructive ideas.

“I’m encouraging those who haven’t signed already to put their name to it and ensure that they are heard. With thousands of people behind it, this is now a fully-fledged campaign that can be won.”

More than 120 members of Lancelin’s fishing community turned up last week to fight the Cook Labor Government’s 900-kilometre ban on commercial and recreational fishing and support an inquiry into the ban.

The first Nationals WA fishing forum heard from commercial fishers of 40 plus years whose livelihoods have been directly impacted by the ban, as well as recreational fishers and associated businesses.

Nationals Leader, Shane Love who spoke at the meeting with other MPs and locals, said commercial fishers are already struggling to put food on the table following the 1 January ban.

“Coastal communities like Lancelin are suffering the economic and social impacts of the Government’s knee-jerk approach to fisheries management,” Mr Love said .

“We have heard very distressing stories from both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors – they’ve had no notice or consultation about the ban. Fishing is a core part of our culture in coastal communities like Lancelin and to take that away decimates its identity and social fabric.”

Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Kirrilee Warr said the anger being felt by fishers is palpable and the Labor Government should expect more acts of civil disobedience if it doesn’t review its naïve decision.

“The fishing community desperately wants the government to prove the science and provide a sensible way forward. You cannot just shut down an industry overnight and expect people to survive,” Ms Warr said.

The Nationals are calling on the Government to share whatever information has prompted the ban, deliver proper financial relief to the community and conduct a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry which quantifies fish stocks.

Mr Love questioned the ban on shark fishing in the Western Zone, asking how that would help to restock ‘at risk’ demersal fish.

“This ban flows through to restaurants, fish and chip shops and everyone who buys fish whether in the supermarket or a fish retailer. Fish prices are already up between 30-40 percent and it will only get worse until this ban is reversed,” he added.

A petition calling for an inquiry into the demersal fishing ban has already received more than 31,000 signatures.

Sign the petition here.

Shadow Minister for Fisheries and Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has launched a petition calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry into Western Australia’s fisheries, demanding the Cook Labor Government deliver a long-term, sustainable fisheries strategy to protect the future of this valuable natural resource.

Ms Warr said the petition followed growing alarm from across the sector after the State Government’s recent Fishing Futures Forum, where both the Premier and Fisheries Minister flagged sweeping changes to fisheries management.

“WA’s fisheries sector is on the brink of crisis after nearly a decade of Labor mismanagement and a revolving door of Fisheries Ministers,” Ms Warr said.

“The Cook Labor Government has failed to make fisheries a priority, and their neglect now threatens the livelihoods and lifestyles of thousands of recreational and commercial fishers, tourism and charter operators, and regional communities that rely on a strong and sustainable fishing sector.”

Ms Warr said the petition called for two key actions.

“Firstly, we’re calling for a full Parliamentary Inquiry which takes a whole-of-sector approach to examine the state of our fisheries and develop a clear, long-term plan for the future.

“This isn’t about ignoring science. It’s about finding balanced, evidence-based solutions that work for everyone,” Ms Warr said.

“Nobody has a greater interest in protecting our fisheries for future generations than our fishers, and they deserve to be part of the decision-making process.”

The proposed Inquiry would also examine the impact of contemporary challenges on fish stocks and the marine estate, including marine parks, illegal fishing, energy exploration and developments, and whether the Department of Fisheries was adequately resourced.

Mr Warr said the petition also demanded the Government commit to genuine and ongoing consultation with recreational fishers, commercial operators, and other stakeholders before any major management decisions are made.

“The Fisheries Minister has already warned of ‘tough decisions’ ahead, but one day-long forum with hand-picked stakeholders isn’t consultation,” she said.

“Fishers deserve a seat at the table before decisions are made that could change their livelihoods.”

Ms Warr said recreational fishers were especially concerned about mixed messages from the Cook Labor Government.

“One in four West Australians go fishing at least once a year – the highest rate in Australia,” Ms Warr said.

“Yet this Government can’t give them a straight answer. The Fisheries Minister says mandatory catch reporting for recreational fishers has been ruled out, only for the Premier to claim it’s still on the table the very next day.

“There’s a clear breakdown in communications between the Premier and the Minister, and recreational fishers are being caught in the middle.”

Ms Warr said the petition would run until 26 January 2026 and would be presented to Parliament on the first sitting day of next year.

“Whether you fish for fun, for your family, or for your livelihood, your voice matters, and I encourage every West Australian to sign the petition and help save WA’s fisheries,”

The petition can be signed online.

Candidate for Central Wheatbelt Lachlan Hunter has vowed to fight for improved palliative care and extended stay options at the Cunderdin Health Service, saying the Labor Government had failed the community.

“In 2013 the Shire of Cunderdin made a deal with Government to become one of two trial sites for a Primary Healthcare Centre,” Mr Hunter said.

“The one-stop-shop was supposed to include palliative and respite care for those that needed it, it was part of the deal.”

Mr Hunter said it was a gross breach of trust by WACHS and the Minister for Health, stating they have failed to listen to the concerns of the community.

“Health care services in regional WA have been neglected by this Labor Government,” he said.

“They are sitting on a massive budget surplus but have failed on essential services like health and education in the bush.

“I will be working with the Cunderdin Shire and community to push for these vital improvements and commit to making it a priority for a future Nationals’ Government.”

Local Member Mia Davies raised the issue in Parliament twice last week.

“The Labor Government has swept aside concerns raised by Council and those impacted,” she said.

“I have been involved in many of these discussions since the proposal was first put forward in 2012 by our Government.

“Communities that are willing to try something new, to test the boundaries of what is possible and share some risk when a proposal involves removing what they always knew and trusted – these communities deserve the Government’s support.”

Ms Davies said it was always on the cards that the model and service would need to be modified or amended once in operation.

“It was a new service, and it was always possible that changes would be required once up and running,” she said.

“In Parliament last week they have stubbornly said there’s no need for any changes,” she said.

“It is heart-breaking to hear of people that have been shifted to other communities for their final days, or shipped down the hill because there is no capacity for short-stay observation outside the emergency department.”

Ongoing crime in Geraldton and Mullewa and the Labor government’s failure to act is deeply concerning according to The Nationals WA.

Nationals’ candidate for Geraldton, Kirrilee Warr said despite ongoing community efforts and calls for intervention, levels of unsociable activity in Mullewa continue to escalate, with a recent spate of vehicle theft-burning and break ins.

“Creating significant challenges for residents, law enforcement, and local authorities, the impact of these criminal activities extends beyond mere statistics, affecting the safety, wellbeing, and quality of life for residents,” Ms Warr said.

Leader of the Opposition, Shane Love MLA has urged an immediate and concerted effort from all relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, government bodies, community leaders, and social service organisations to address this issue comprehensively.

Mr Love said the lack of meaningful action to curb crime by the Cook government was a matter of grave concern.

“We have seen this type of crime erupt in regional communities from the Kimberley and spread to the south and now it is impacting the Midwest and Geraldton,” he added.

“Continual ignorance of the issues must stop.

“It undermines the trust and confidence of the community in the ability of law enforcement and governing bodies to ensure public safety but also perpetuates a cycle of criminal behaviour that can have long-term consequences for society.”

Ms Warr said the safety and wellbeing of our community must remain a top priority.

“I stand ready to collaborate and support any initiatives that contribute to creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Geraldton and Mullewa,” she added.

“At a community forum hosted by The Nationals WA in April, Mullewa residents and local business owners voiced their very real concerns.”

Ms Warr said the Mullewa community is crying out for help and it was compelling that many solutions have been suggested.

“The Nationals WA have launched a petition calling on the Cook government to implement targeted programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, rehabilitation and support for at-risk youth, as well as enhancing law enforcement strategies to deter and apprehend perpetrators of crime,” she said.

“It is time the Labor government took notice of the community’s concerns; I urge residents to sign The Nationals WA petition.

WA households and businesses impacted by prolonged power and telecommunications outages in January are being urged to sign a petition calling on the Cook Labor Government to investigate the matter and deliver appropriate support.

Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA said the petition was necessary after the State Government had failed to deliver a promised support package to businesses more than one month after the outages.

“Over one month after the blackout, which lasted for several days during a heatwave, businesses in the Goldfields, Wheatbelt and Perth Hills are still awaiting detail around the Government’s support package,” Mr Love said.

“A survey undertaken by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry has found the average loss to each business was $16,786 in lost revenue, wages, and stock which had to be thrown out.

“The total impact across regional WA as a result of these outages is estimated to be in excess of $10 million.”

The petition, which is being supported by Goldfields business owners Ashok Parekh and Graham McGarry, calls on the State Government to review their support following extended outages to ensure impacted households and businesses are fairly compensated.

“Other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales, offer compensation schemes far greater than a one-off $120 payment which would not even come close to restocking the value of your fridge and freezer after an extended outage.

“The Cook Labor Government boasts a $3.7 billion budget surplus, propped up by a $223 million dividend from Western Power,” Mr Love said. “They have significant capacity to support impacted businesses but have failed to do so.”

Candidate for Central Wheatbelt Lachlan Hunter said the petition also calls on the State Government to undertake an independent inquiry into the January 2024 outages.

“This is necessary to not only look at the response from the State Government and Western Power, but also Telstra, whose network was significantly disrupted by the outages,” Mr Hunter said.

“Over 30 communities were left isolated and unable to contact Triple Zero during these outages, many in the Central Wheatbelt, including Bakers Hill, Toodyay and Wundowie.

“The Cook Labor Government has failed to explain why the 2022 Christmas Power outages, which largely impacted Perth, was worthy of an independent review, but a major outage across several days in the regions is not,” Mr Hunter said.

The petition will be the first ever e-petition launched in the Legislative Assembly and can be signed online.

The Nationals WA have backed calls for an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry into fruit and vegetable pricing in supermarkets.

Leader of the Nationals WA Shane Love has labelled the unfair price disparities as a form of exploitation of both farmers and everyday West Australians.

“In this cost-of-living crisis, West Australians are struggling to afford fresh fruit and vegetables whilst big supermarkets have reported record breaking profits,” Mr Love said.

“Meanwhile, fruit and veg growers are telling us that the high prices seen in supermarkets aren’t being reflected at the farm gate.

“Something just doesn’t add up,” Mr Love said. “We need to ensure Coles and Woolworths have been doing the right thing by growers and customers, and the Federal Labor Government appears to have taken their eye off the ball.”

Mr Love said the current price of an iceberg lettuce at Coles and Woolworths this week was almost $4 – when they could regularly be purchased for as little as $2 in recent years.

“Fresh fruit and veggies are a crucial staple for West Aussie families, yet price volatility has soared well beyond CPI, placing pressure on families already doing it tough, and leaving farmers shaking their heads,” Mr Love said.

“Questions need to be asked around why prices have skyrocketed, and only the ACCC has the appropriate powers to compel the major supermarkets to provide evidence and determine appropriate penalties for those doing the wrong thing.”

Shadow Agricultural Minister Colin de Grussa said a recent survey by peak vegetable industry body AusVeg found “record low morale” for growers.

“Veggie growers are still experiencing crippling workforce shortages in the aftermath of COVID-19 disruptions, while dealing with increasing production costs and tightening margins,” Mr de Grussa said.

“AusVeg now reports that, alarmingly, more than 30 per cent of Australia’s vegetable growers are considering leaving the industry this year.

“While Premier Roger Cook needs to spare a thought for the thousands of jobs that will be lost if we see a third of carrot, potato and tomato farmers forced away from the industry in the next 12 months.”

Mr de Grussa urged West Aussies to visit The Nationals WA website and sign the petition in support of the ACCC inquiry.

“The farmers who feed our country deserve to be paid fairly for their produce, and consumers deserve transparency around the prices that are paying Coles and Woolworths.”

The Nationals WA and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia WA have today launched a petition calling for the consultation period for the Labor Government’s proposed new firearm reforms to be extended.

Member for the Agricultural Region Colin de Grussa MLC said the rapid consultation window – which would close in less than a month – failed to provide an opportunity for feedback from WA’s 90,000 registered firearm owners.

“The firearm reform paper released last week is a complex, 62-page document which proposes significant changes to all aspects of the licensing and regulatory regime,” Mr de Grussa said.

“This includes an Australian-first cap on the number of firearms for licensed owners, a major overhaul of the property letter system, and the application of health and mental health
requirements which have the potential to impact thousands of licensed firearm owners.

“This is the most extensive change to WA’s firearm reforms in 50 years, yet firearm owners are being given less than a month to make a submission regarding these detailed and complicated changes.”

Mr de Grussa said with many farmers already getting underway with harvest operations, the 14 November cut-off for feedback was simply not long enough.

“There’s consultation designed to tick a box and then there is genuine consultation – I urge the Labor Government not to make the same mistakes they made with the shambolic Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act by rushing this process.”

Mr de Grussa said many elements of the reforms were likely to be supported by The Nationals WA and firearm owners, however, more time was needed to allow the community to understand the proposed changes and raise concerns.

“In the interests of ensuring genuine consultation with firearm owners, recreational and sporting shooters, primary producers, firearm dealers, and collectors, we are calling on the State
Government extend their consultation deadline beyond 14 November.”

“We are not going to see this legislation before the New Year, so there is absolutely no need to rush the consultation process”, Mr de Grussa said.

Sporting Shooters of Australia WA President Paul Fitzgerald said the firearms community was keen to participate in the feedback process.

“If the Labor Government wants to have the support of licensed and law-abiding firearms owners in this process, it’s essential they extend the consultation timeframe to give us a chance to have our say,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“This major overhaul of WA’s gun laws has so far been done with very little consultation or discussion with the sector, and the least Labor can do is allow adequate time for us to provide our feedback.”

The petition will be open until 24 November 2023.