Stop Labor’s War On The Weekend
Ahead of the Australia Day long-weekend, The Nationals WA have launched a bold new campaign to put a stop to Labor’s relentless War on the Weekend which is crushing the freedoms of fishers, off-road vehicle users and law-abiding firearms owners across the State.
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA slammed Labor’s reckless, ideologically driven decisions which are robbing Western Australians of the leisure and recreation they love.
“WA Labor is waging a war on our very way of life, taking away and attacking aspects of life that define our weekends as quintessentially Australian.” Mr Love said
“Since when has it been core business of Government to reach into your weekend and tell you how you can spend it? Labor are so focused on taking your fishing rod and keys, they’ve forgotten how to do their job.
“Whether it’s fishing, off-road driving, or owning a firearm, Labor’s crusade against the weekend is a direct attack on hardworking families who just want to enjoy their time off.”
Fishing: No consultation
Mr Love said WA Labor’s bungled decisions on fishing have devastated thousands of recreational fishers and hurt coastal communities and businesses.
“First, we saw Labor drop a bombshell with their nine-month ban on demersal fishing – announced with zero consultation – before they backflipped under immense pressure from the Nationals WA and the fishing community,” Mr Love said.
“Labor has now locked up more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline with the South Coast Marine Park and plans to triple the size of the Marmion Marine Park after the election.
“These changes are hammering local fishers and stripping families of their right to enjoy the water.
“Fishing charter and tourism operators along the WA coast are being forced out of business because of the Minister for Fisheries mismanagement.”
The Nationals have pledged to send the South Coast Marine Park back to the drawing board and block the Marmion Marine Park expansion until a full review is conducted.
“We will fight to protect fishing rights and ensure decisions are guided by science and proper consultations – not Labor’s green agenda.”
Four-Wheel-Driving: Left in neutral
Labor’s neglect of off-road vehicle enthusiasts is also a concern, according to Mr Love.
“For years, WA Labor has refused to prioritise legislation to support off-road vehicle users. Their inaction has led to poor infrastructure, restricted access, and sparked discussion of bans in popular locations like Albany, Esperance, and Gingin,” he said.
The Nationals in Government will prioritise opening more areas of WA for off-road vehicle use.
“Labor is happy to blame off road vehicle users for the condition of these areas, while refusing to fund the facilities and maintenance needed to keep these areas open and well-managed.”
“And if that wasn’t enough, Federal Labor’s ‘ute tax’ is set to add thousands to the cost of new utes, pricing families and small businesses out of their vehicles.”
“Labor want’s to penalise WA families for driving a bloody ute. Frankly, that’s un-Australian.”
The Nationals WA in Government will introduce off-road vehicle legislation to make it easier to register vehicles and also boost funding for local governments to maintain off-road areas.
National Parks: Locking Western Australians Out
The Nationals in Government will ensure that Western Australia’s National Parks, including the Kimberley’s iconic Horizontal Falls, remain open and accessible for recreation and tourism.
Leader Shane Love MLA criticised the Cook Labor Government’s decision to ban visitors to this world- renowned attraction, warning it will cost the region $15 million annually, around 58 jobs, and its reputation as a premier destination.
“The legislative purpose of our National Parks is to promote and facilitate tourism and recreation – we will not stand by while the Cook Labor Government locks Western Australians out,” Mr Love said.
Firearms: Targeting law-abiding owners
Mr Love said WA Labor’s treatment of law-abiding firearms owners has been nothing short of disgraceful.
“WA Labor has vilified 90,000 law-aiding firearms owners with draconian laws and outrageous media stunts – like publishing maps of people’s homes to paint them as the enemy, a dangerous stunt that compromised people’s safety.” he said.
“Labor’s laws do nothing to remove illegal firearms from the hands of criminals, they are designed to make life harder for recreational shooters, sporting competitors, and farmers managing pests.”
Mr Love reiterated The Nationals WA commitment to stand firm with firearm owners and rewrite Labor’s laws after the election.
“The Nationals WA are the only party fighting to protect the rights of law-abiding firearms owners. We will work with the sector to deliver practical laws which actually enhance public safety, without punishing responsible license holders.”
Mr Love said outdoor enthusiasts had a clear choice at the State Election.
“WA Labor’s War on the Weekend is an attack on every Western Australian who values their freedom and their right to enjoy recreational pursuits,” Mr Love said.
“The Nationals WA will end Labor’s ideological assault on how you choose to spend your weekend – be it up a bush track, on the range, or down at the beach with your family.”
“The Nationals are fighting to take back our weekends – join the battle by voting 1 for The Nationals WA on March 8.”