❓ Question regarding the timeline and decision-making process following a shark bite incident, specifically focusing on the Premier's involvement and compliance with environmental regulations. The answer provides a timeline and justification for the actions taken.
AnsweredQoN 2173Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Government’s response following a shark bite incident at Wylie Bay on 2 October 2014 and ask: (a) at what time on 2 October 2014 did the Premier become aware of the shark bite incident; (b) at what time on 2 October 2014 did the Premier contact the Federal Government to seek an exemption from the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 to allow shark capture gear to be deployed in the incident of the incident; (c) what is the reason that it was the Premier, rather than the Minister for Fisheries or Department of Fisheries, who sought the exemption from the Federal Government; (d) at what time on 2 October 2014 did the Western Australian Government receive advice from the Federal Government that an exemption had been granted; (e) was it the Premier’s decision to deploy the shark capture gear following the incident; (f) if no to (5), who was responsible for the decision; (g) was the shark capture gear deployed before the EPBC Act exemption had been granted by the Federal Government; (h) if yes to (7), does the Government agree that the person who ordered the shark capture gear to be deployed may have breached the EPBC Act; and (i) if no to (8), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
27 November 2014
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Premier
Response time
35 days
(a) - (i)
The Premier became aware of the shark attack in Esperance on 2 October at approximately 12.00 noon. The Department of the Premier and Cabinet advised the Commonwealth by telephone of the incident several minutes later and confirmed that a letter seeking an exemption would be forwarded as soon as possible - this was done at approximately 12.23pm and an updated letter (which was amended to include specific reference to a clause of Federal legislation) was sent again at approximately 12.38pm.
The Commonwealth was advised verbally that the matter was urgent and that a Fisheries vessel was on route to the site to deploy gear to capture a shark or sharks involved in the incident.
The decision to deploy gear was made by the Director General Fisheries following consultation with the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
The decision to deploy capture gear was on the basis that a young man had suffered significant injuries as a result of a shark attack, the remote area involved and the high usage of the area given school holidays. This was in line with existing protocols.
Capture gear was deployed approximately one and a half hours prior to the Commonwealth exemption being received, however the Commonwealth was made fully aware of the action being taken by the State, which at all times was in the interest of public safety.
The Premier became aware of the shark attack in Esperance on 2 October at approximately 12.00 noon. The Department of the Premier and Cabinet advised the Commonwealth by telephone of the incident several minutes later and confirmed that a letter seeking an exemption would be forwarded as soon as possible - this was done at approximately 12.23pm and an updated letter (which was amended to include specific reference to a clause of Federal legislation) was sent again at approximately 12.38pm.
The Commonwealth was advised verbally that the matter was urgent and that a Fisheries vessel was on route to the site to deploy gear to capture a shark or sharks involved in the incident.
The decision to deploy gear was made by the Director General Fisheries following consultation with the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
The decision to deploy capture gear was on the basis that a young man had suffered significant injuries as a result of a shark attack, the remote area involved and the high usage of the area given school holidays. This was in line with existing protocols.
Capture gear was deployed approximately one and a half hours prior to the Commonwealth exemption being received, however the Commonwealth was made fully aware of the action being taken by the State, which at all times was in the interest of public safety.
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