27th Nov 2018, 4:59 PM – Senate Motions - Queensland: Shark Attacks - Respond immediately

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal National Senator James McGrath (Qld), which means it failed.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes the importance of the tourism industry to the Queensland economy, the key role that the North Queensland region plays in attracting tourists to the Sunshine State, and recognises the Liberal National Coalition Government's $5 million tourism funding package to support areas adversely affected by Tropical Cyclone Debbie;

(b) notes with sympathy the tragic shark attack in North Queensland that took place on 5 November 2018, the third in the region since September;

(c) condemns the Queensland Labor Government's bureaucratic indecisiveness that has resulted in yet another review but no real action, thus continuing to prioritise the lives of sharks over humans; and

(d) calls on the Queensland Labor Government to immediately consider any and all means, including options such as drum lines, nets or a shark cull, so as to protect both human lives and the reputation of Queensland—and its beaches—as a safe tourist destination for families.