Western Australian Government demersal fishing ban

Question

1. Was the department consulted before the WA Government introduced its demersal fishing ban on January 1st, 2026? What was the nature of these engagements? 2. Has the department looked at the impact of the ban on the WA commercial fishing industry? 3. What is the expected economic impact of the ban? 4. Has any Commonwealth support been offered to the industry? 5. Does the department support the ban? 6. Does the department monitor all fishing stocks or provide advice to state agencies on management of fishing stocks outside commonwealth waters? 7. Has the department received the scientific evidence for the WA Government sighted as the reason for the ban, if so, could it please be provided? 8. WA Fishing Industry Council CEO Melissa Haslam, who represents the commercial sector, said she was only given about an hour's notice on the details of the announcement. What obligations does your department have to consult with industry before announcing blanket bans of this nature? 9. Should the WA authorities have consulted with industry before pulling the rug out from underneath them? 10. Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Kirrilee Warr MLA, collected WA's largest ever e-petition signed by more than 34,000 people calling for an inquiry. Does the department support calls for an inquiry? 11. The current research timeline has Batch 1 finishing in mid-2027 and an Agriculture Ministers' Meeting decision on release expected in 2028. Can the Department give an absolute commitment that a decision will be made in 2028?

Answer

Please see PDF attachment.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• SQ26-000442.pdf (opens in a new tab)