Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2025

Introduced and passionately advocated for the bill, arguing that crocodile numbers have exploded and North Queensland waterways have become unsafe for recreation. Called for active culling, a Queensland Crocodile Authority based in Cairns, and expanded Indigenous involvement in crocodile management.

“Over eight years, my colleagues and I have travelled right across North Queensland—to Cairns, the Tablelands, the Daintree, Mareeba, Innisfail, the Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook and communities across the gulf. We have spoken directly with residents, Indigenous leaders, environmental representatives, local councils, surf-lifesavers, tourism operators and families who have been directly affected by the growing crocodile problem in the region.”— 2025-12-09View Hansard

Introduced the bill as its sponsor, arguing that North Queensland's crocodile population has exploded and poses an unacceptable risk to human life in recreational waterways, and that a new Queensland Crocodile Authority is needed to manage crocodile numbers while creating economic opportunities for Indigenous landowners.

“This bill is about prioritising human life in waterways that are heavily used by North Queenslanders. To put it another way, this bill is about prioritising human life, not crocodiles.”— 2025-02-19View Hansard

Opposed the bill as fundamentally flawed, arguing it would compromise response times by centralising staff in Cairns and that widespread culling could create a false sense of security. Instead tabled the government's revised Queensland Crocodile Management Plan as a balanced alternative.

“The bill is fundamentally flawed. It proposes changes to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service operations that will not improve efficiency. The proposal by the member for Hill to establish a Queensland crocodile authority and mandate that all staff reside in Cairns would compromise response times to acting on reports of crocodiles.”— 2025-12-09View Hansard

Opposed the bill on behalf of the Labor opposition, arguing that culling is not an effective safety measure and that the existing Queensland Crocodile Management Plan is world-leading and evidence-based. Noted that the crocodile population has largely plateaued and the fatality rate is very low.

“You cannot eliminate—which means to completely remove, not reduce—the threat to human life from saltwater crocodiles unless you eliminate all crocodiles—every single one. They are an ambush predator.”— 2025-12-09View Hansard

Opposed the bill, arguing it creates more problems than it solves with unnecessary red tape. Supported the government's revised Crocodile Management Plan instead, highlighting new targeted removal zones in his electorate on the Mulgrave River.

“While the safety and wellbeing of our communities must always remain our top priority, this bill creates more problems than it solves. It introduces unnecessary red tape and fails to take a sensible, balanced approach—one that genuinely puts Queenslanders first.”— 2025-12-09View Hansard

Opposed the bill, arguing it is not based on science or evidence. Drew on his experience at Australia Zoo's Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve to highlight the limitations of crocodile relocation and the dangers of zero tolerance zones creating a false sense of security.

“Unfortunately, this bill is not based on science or evidence. It ignores the work and progress of the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan and other scientific research that has been implemented for over eight years.”— 2025-12-09View Hansard

Opposed the bill as the newly elected member for Hinchinbrook, arguing the government's revised Crocodile Management Plan is a better approach. Announced the upgrade of Tyto Wetlands to an active removal zone as a direct result of having a seat at the government table.

“Having a seat at the government table means being able to deliver tangible outcomes to make our communities safer. That is why, on my very first day in this place, I am proud to share an important win we have delivered for our Ingham community.”— 2025-12-09View Hansard

Opposed the bill, arguing the clauses are not supported by science or crocodile behaviour. Cited expert advice from Australia Zoo that removals do not guarantee waterway safety and that the crocodile population is returning to a natural state rather than overcrowding.

“The intention of the bill is to reduce attacks and thus deaths of humans, but, as has been outlined, the clauses of the bill are not supported by the science, nor are they supported by the habits of crocodiles.”— 2025-12-09View Hansard

Opposed the bill despite representing an electorate with about half the state's crocodile population, arguing it creates more bureaucracy and an unworkable hunting regime. Supported the government's updated Crocodile Management Plan with new reportable removal zones in his electorate.

“The problem with the Katter bill is it creates more bureaucracy, creates an unworkable hunting regime and risks public safety. The proposed update by the Crisafulli government, in my view, gets the balance right between the preservation of estuarine crocodiles and the protection of humans.”— 2025-12-09View Hansard