Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA has urged the people of Western Australia to have their experiences heard by the Parliamentary Committee handling the fishing inquiry, after public submissions opened on Tuesday.
Following the motion in the Legislative Council last week, the Environment and Public Affairs Committee will look into matters relating to the demersal fishing ban in WA, including the impacts on fish stocks, the need for a clear and long term plan for sustainable, and whether the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is adequately resourced to meet its responsibilities.
Ms Warr said it was important for the committee to hear as many experiences from the WA community as possible.
“More than 27,000 people signed the petition to make this inquiry happen. Now is the chance to share your experiences to help make a difference,” she said.
“The captain’s call made by the Fisheries Minister was some of the most restrictive measures in the State’s history.
“Locals having their say could help inform the committee by providing key information which leads to important findings or recommendations upon the conclusion of the inquiry.”
Ms Warr said the decisions made under Labor needed to be scrutinised.
“Fisheries policy over the past 10 years has been inconsistent as a result of failed ministers in the portfolio,” she said.
“Good policy must be based on evidence, and the people of Western Australia deserve answers about how these decisions were made.
“We are hopeful this inquiry will determine how these key decisions are being made, and what changes are needed to support sustainable fisheries across all fishing stakeholders.
“I will continue to engage with stakeholders across WA to ensure the Cook Labor Government is being held to account.”
Submissions to the Parliamentary Committee can be made through the WA Parliament website.
Public submissions are open until midnight, August 3, 2026.
