Qld federal Liberal, Nationals MP angry over court’s shark ruling

New federal legislation could be introduced urgently after a court decision resulted in drumlines being pulled up at Queensland beaches, exposing swimmers to mortal danger.

THE Federal Government will consider bringing in legislation so Queensland can continue its controversial shark control program.

State Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said this afternoon he had spoken with federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley following a court decision yesterday, and hoped new legislation would be introduced urgently.

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“We will work with the Federal Government in terms of making changes to legislation and we will be very pleased once they’re (Federal Government) in a position to implement those changes,” he said.

The State Government is also cautious greens groups could now target other beaches across the state following the successful court win, with Mr Furner stating he would be seeking a briefing from his department about what is the next step.

“What the HSI (Humane Society International) has indicated, once they’re successful with this, they will come after us in terms of looking at changes through other parts of the state,” Mr Furner said.

The Agriculture Minister said he had “extreme concerns” for the safety of tourists and visitors in the Great Barrier Reef in the meantime, with the State Government having started pulling out drumlines from 27 beaches following yesterday’s decision.

He said signs would start being erected ahead of the school holidays which begin on Saturday.

Outraged federal MPs have demanded Ms Ley circumvent the court ruling that forces shark drum lines to be removed from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Ten Queensland Liberal and National MPs and senators have signed a sedate joint statement, but behind the scenes Ms Ley is being heavily pressured to step in by a key group.

The State Government yesterday lost an appeal in the Federal Court to use drum lines to prevent shark attacks.

Led by Member for Dawson George Christensen and Senator Matt Canavan, and with the support of Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch, the statement says they are concerned about the court decision’s implications for the “protection of human life in the Great Barrier Reef and the health of the tourism industry in North Queensland”.

“As Liberal National Party Members of Parliament we remain united on putting the safety of human life first and supporting our great tourism industry in North Queensland.

“We are currently reviewing the implications of the decision and what might be the appropriate response.

“Our number one priority is — and always will be — the protection of human life.

“We support the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s permission granted to the Queensland Government on June 2, 2017. for the Queensland Government to implement a shark control program. The use of drum lines and other techniques have been used for decades and they have saved lives.

“People are looking for a solution and all levels of Government should work towards the protection of human life.

“We will fight to ensure that proven, lifesaving measures can remain in use to help ensure the safety of everyone enjoying Central and North Queensland’s beautiful coastline.”

The statement was signed by Queensland MPs Warren Entsch, Phillip Thompson, George Christensen, Michelle Landry, Ken O’Down, Luke Howarth and senators Matt Canavan, Susan McDonald, James McGrath, Amanda Stoker and Paul Scarr.

Meanwhile, Queensland Opposition Deputy Leader Tim Mander said the Queensland Government should “get creative” and find a way to keep the drumlines in.

Senator Matthew Canavan is one of the politicians to sign the statement. Picture: Brendan Radke

Asked repeatedly if he wanted Canberra to pass new laws to resolve the issue, he said that was an issue that needed to be resolved, but would take some time.

“(In the meantime) we can’t have this gap where there is no protection for north Queensland swimmers,” he said.

“This State Government’s responsibility is to ensure that Queenslanders going for a swim at the beach in north Queensland will be protected from shark attacks.

“They can’t abdicate this responsibility. They have to make it work, they have to be innovative, they have to find a solution.”

He said other states had trialled different measures that could comply with the court directions.

“The courts have not said that the drumlines have to go but there are certain conditions that need to be complied with so this Government needs to be innovative and creative and work out ways to make sure that swimmers in north Queensland are protected,” he said.