Experts reject calls for shark cull after Sydney attack; Australian government provides nearly $200m in loans
Following a shark attack at a Sydney beach, experts warn culls don't improve safety. Meanwhile, the Australian government has provided nearly $200m in zero-interest loans to industry, and One Nation party raises funds for an ad campaign.
Shark attack and expert pushback
On Saturday, a 35-year-old woman was bitten by a shark while swimming about 30 meters offshore at Coogee beach in Sydney. She remains in critical but stable condition. A great white shark, a protected species, is believed responsible. The incident has reignited calls for shark culls to protect swimmers, but experts say there is little evidence that culls would meaningfully improve safety. Brianna Le Brusque, director of environmental science programs at the University of Adelaide, stated there is no science on how many sharks would need to be removed. She argued that surveillance methods, such as drones, are more effective, but their use is complicated by flight path restrictions near Coogee.
Economic Resilience Program
The federal government has provided nearly $200m in zero-interest loans since launching the Economic Resilience Program last month. The program offers $1bn in zero-interest loans for manufacturing and critical supply chains affected by the Middle East conflict. As of Monday, over 200 businesses have signed up, totaling almost $195m. Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres noted that more than three-quarters of the loans are under $1m, supporting sectors like freight, logistics, fuel, plastics, and fertilizer.
Political developments
One Nation's Barnaby Joyce announced that millions raised in recent days will go toward an advertising campaign to “remove the Labor party.” Speaking on RN, Joyce said the campaign will focus on the “here and now” ahead of the next election. Meanwhile, Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said One Nation's rise reflects “frustration on the part of many people” with cost-of-living pressures and global uncertainty. He criticized the party for identifying grievances without offering real solutions.
