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Widow of Sydney Shark Victim Presses NSW for Review, Expanded Drone Patrols

She seeks an evidence-based process led by the premier to close gaps exposed by the pre-season attack.

Overview

  • Maria Psillakis publicly called for a formal reassessment of shark‑mitigation measures two months after her husband's death on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
  • Her concerns highlight reported operational gaps at the time, including the patrol season not yet under way and a 45‑minute delay before the shark alarm sounded.
  • She is urging a significant expansion of drone surveillance across metropolitan Sydney beaches, where patrols are typically confined to summer.
  • Wakehurst MP Michael Regan says he has raised the proposal with Premier Chris Minns and that the premier is ensuring it is investigated, with no decision announced.
  • She is also seeking a roundtable involving scientists, Surf Life Saving and community representatives to develop evidence‑based improvements to detection and alerts.