James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

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.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor also notes the importance of the tourism industry to the Queensland economy and the particularly important role it plays in North Queensland, including through the provision of jobs. However, Labor opposes Senator McGrath's politicisation of the tragic shark attacks in North Queensland and supports the Queensland government's work in bringing together tourism operators and experts to determine the best path forward.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 1232 standing in the name of Senator McGrath be agreed to.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

With the chamber's indulgence, I seek leave to make a very brief one-minute statement in relation to that motion. I'm sorry I missed asking for that previously.

Leave not granted.