Queensland Premier Refuses to Protect Whales 'at the Expense of One Single Human'

As of September 29th, 2025, the Queensland government is standing firm on its decision to expand the state's shark net program, despite a recent spike in whale entanglements. Over the past nine days, a total of eight whales, including a mother and calf, have become trapped in the nets near Rainbow Beach.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has made it clear that he will not back down on the program, stating that the government's priority is to protect human lives, not whales. "We will do everything we can to be good environmental stewards, but it's not going to come at the expense of one single human. We just won't, and I'm not for turning on that," he said.

This stance comes despite a KPMG report that had recommended the state government trial removing the shark nets during the annual whale migration season, which runs from April to October. The report noted that this approach is already being implemented in neighboring New South Wales.

Experts have also argued that the shark nets do not effectively protect swimmers, with around five in six animals trapped in the nets being non-target species. Since 2001, the nets have ensnared 131 whales, 298 turtles, and 327 dolphins.

Despite the growing concerns, Premier Crisafulli remains adamant that the government will continue to prioritize human safety over environmental protection. "The life of one child on one beach anywhere in this state, is worth everything to me," he said.