‘Gut punch’: top shark expert quits Queensland advisory panel after LNP expands cull program

Exclusive: Colin Simpfendorfer's resignation from working group comes as conservationists lash expansion of lethal program they say does nothing to improve beach safety'

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One of Australia's leading shark researchers has resigned from his position of almost eight years advising the Queensland shark control program, as members of that scientific working group say they were shocked" and sidelined by the state government's decision to expand the lethal control of sharks.

Announcing an $88m shark management plan overhaul which would see shark nets and baited drum lines designed to kill target shark species rolled out at more beaches, and existing drum lines used more intensely, the primary industries minister, Tony Perrett, claimed this week that the Liberal National party's strategy was backed by research.

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