SHARK DRUM
LINE PROGRAM
203. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the
Leader of the House representing the Premier:
I refer to the Premier's joint media statement on
shark safety of 27 December 2013 made with the Minister for Fisheries and to
question without notice 103 asked on 26 February 2014.
(1) The media
statement states that the drum line strategy was the ''result of
consultation with stakeholders'', including the Environmental Protection
Authority; however, in response to question without notice 103, the minister
said that the EPA was not consulted about the strategy before it was announced.
Was the EPA consulted about the drum line strategy before it was announced or
not?
(2) Why did the
media statement incorrectly state that the policy resulted from consultation
with the EPA if this was not the case?
(3) On what date
in early December 2013 did the office of the former Minister for Fisheries
begin consultation with water users?
(4) By what
method was the consultation referred to in part (3) undertaken?
(5) In relation
to (4), please table the consultation document, email or letter that water
users were asked to respond to.
Hon
PETER COLLIER replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1)–(2) The
government announced the strategy on 10 December, and the media release of 27 December,
17 days later, included the reference to the Environmental Protection Authority
when it should have more accurately referred to the Office of the Environmental
Protection Authority being advised of the policy following its announcement.
(3)–(4) Consultations
occurred mainly in the week from 2 to 6 December, and these consisted of
meetings and telephone contact.
(5) People who
attended the meeting from 2 to 6 December were presented with the following
short statement to stimulate discussion —
The aim of the review is to assess
the current policy of imminent threat and its capacity and ability to achieve
public safety outcomes. The exploration of future options and possible
alternative approaches is a component of the review.
The review is an internal Government
review, with consultation to be undertaken with identified stakeholders and the
consideration of existing national and international experience.
The review is expected to be completed
by the end of the year for Government consideration.