Labor leader Bill Shorten has weighed into Western Australia's controversial shark kill policy, urging the state government to use science to find a solution to secure the safety of the water.
More baited drumlines were be placed in the waters off the WA coast this week, with more than 30 sharks thought to have been caught so far.
Bull, tiger and great white sharks longer than three metres that are caught within one kilometre of parts of the WA coast are being shot dead and discarded at sea.
Asked about his opinion on the policy, Mr Shorten said he understood the state government's desire for safety.
But he urged the state's lawmakers to consider a more scientific approach.
"I do get there is a short term issue, but if you want a long term answer in terms of safety, and respect for our environment and our oceans, let's get the experts to work it out," Mr Shorten said.
"There is temporary fix in for three months - use that time to get the scientific evidence as to what is right, what works and what gets the balance right."
