Ian Macdonald

I read your front-page story about the success of the shark culling program in Saturday’s Bulletin (January 21) with more than passing interest.
The article reported that Fisheries Minister Craig Wallace was basking in the glory of this success, despite the fact that the drumline shark netting program off the coast of Queensland has been in operation for over 45 years (before Mr Wallace was born).
Is this the same Mr Wallace who won’t even consider a humane crocodile culling campaign in areas where crocs are shown to be a danger to inhabited areas?
Could I respectfully ask the Minister to explain to me and your readers why he is happy to allow our native sharks to dangle off drumline hooks until they drown while ignoring the threat posed by another native animal – the crocodile?
What’s the difference, Mr Wallace?

Senator Ian Macdonald,
131 Denham Street,
Townsville.