The Nationals WA: Fishing Petition Reaches Historic High as Communities Unite

Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Kirrilee Warr MLA, says the extension of the Nationals WA fishing petition as it passes more than 31,000 signatures demonstrates how gutted communities are about the Labor Government's demersal fishing bans.

Surging towards an historic record, The Nationals WA fishing petition has been extended until 17 February putting it on track to become the largest e-petition ever lodged in the Legislative Council's history.

The petition calls for a Parliamentary Inquiry into Western Australia's fisheries ban which has effectively closed down fishing to hundreds of thousands of recreational and commercial fishers.

Ms Warr says the overwhelming response reflects growing anger as people lose their livelihoods and a generations-old pastime.

"If the growing unrest over Labor's demersal fishing bans is any indication, the Cook Labor Government has bitten off more than it can chew and badly underestimated the strength and unity of WA's fishing community," Ms Warr said.

"In recent weeks we've seen protests from fishers, hundreds of personal stories shared online, and grassroots community action where fishers are taking to the streets to protest the bans."

Ms Warr said the petition's extension is a reflection of public unrest and the need to ensure every affected West Australian has the opportunity to be heard.

"This petition is on track to make parliamentary history, and that should send a very clear message to the Government," she said.

"The unrest we're seeing is the direct result of Labor decimating a major industry and a deeply valued recreational activity with no meaningful consultation, no transparency, and no clear pathway forward.

"If the Cook Labor Government has any empathy or integrity, it will pause the bans and commit to an independent parliamentary inquiry so the science, the modelling and the decision making can be properly scrutinised."

The Nationals WA will be hosting another community fishing forums in Albany this Thursday (January 29), and in Geraldton on Thursday February 5.

Ms Warr said the forums are an opportunity for communities to unite and fight what has become one of this Government's most thoughtless and destructive ideas.

"I'm encouraging those who haven't signed already to put their name to it and ensure that they are heard. With thousands of people behind it, this is now a fully-fledged campaign that can be won."