EPA joins Federal Government in not scrutinising shark cull

The Australian Greens said today it is appalling that the EPA will not properly examine WA's shark cull, despite the clear impact it is having on marine life.

"Colin Barnett continues to avoid any proper scrutiny for his barbaric shark cull, with the WA EPA joining the Federal Government in failing to properly examine the policy, " Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens marine spokesperson said today.

"This policy is nothing more than a knee-jerk, indiscriminate cull that has already harmed over 100 sharks. The Premier and the Abbott Government new the drum lines were unlikely to catch great whites at this time of year, and yet they pushed ahead with the policy.

"It is nonsense to say the cull is not having an impact. Of the 104 sharks caught, 40 have been killed or died on the hook. Many sharks are being injured or attacked on the lines and we don't know how many are dying after they're released.

"Colin Barnett has been aided and abetted by Tony Abbott and Greg Hunt in implementing this cull. The federal government has refused to hold the Premier to his commitments to minimise the impact of the cull. This failing policy is adversely affecting WA's precious marine life," said Senator Siewert.

"WA's shark cull would not be happening without the support of Tony Abbott and his Government," Senator Scott Ludlam said today.

"A vote for Tony Abbott and the Liberals is a vote for Colin Barnett and his drumlines," Senator Ludlam concluded.