2020-06-19
Senator Whish-Wilson today comments on breaking news that a whale and calf are currently caught in shark nets near the Gold Coast and calls on the Queensland Government to remove shark nets during whale migration season.
“Footage of the two trapped whales is sickening to watch.
“Just how much more distress must Australians experience as they watch from around the country and from their own beaches, until the Queensland Government puts a stop to a policy that doesn't work?
"Shark nets don't make our oceans or beaches safe.
“This has come right at a time when people around our coasts are rejoicing at the sight of our migrating whales.
"We are confronted with the fact that the whales we watch in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales arrive at the Queensland border and are suddenly in grave danger.
"The New South Wales Government removes its shark nets during whale season, so why does the Queensland Government stubbornly refuse to follow suit?
“This has got to stop. The Australian public have had enough.
“This is squarely on the Queensland Government’s shoulders: they can take a really simple step in removing the nets during whale migration and put an end to this ever happening again."