People who "recklessly" ignore crocodile warnings would be fined under a proposal being considered by the Queensland government.
Conservationists were outraged earlier this year when a crocodile was euthanised after attacking a man who had walked with his dog into the Bloomfield River in Far North Queensland.
Kirstiana Ward, a managing lawyer with the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), said the lack of penalties prevented any action being taken against the man involved in that incident, which was captured on video.
Another man shared footage of himself jumping into what he described as the "croc-infested" Tully River.
"We shouldn't need legislative reform, but we do, and as more and more people are able to access croc country, as more of our bush is opened up to tourism, more incidents like this are going to arise," Ms Ward said.
This week the Queensland Department of Environment and Science said Environment Minister Leanne Linard would consider the EDO's proposal for rangers to be given the power to fine people who "flagrantly" ignored official safety messaging.
Shades of grey
Ms Ward, conservationist Bob Irwin and two Kuku Yalanji traditional owners from Far North Queensland had already discussed the idea with Ms Linard's predecessor, Meaghan Scanlon, two days before this month's cabinet reshuffle.
Queensland University of Technology associate professor James Duffy said parliament would need to clearly define the concept of recklessness, "so people could understand what behaviour was permissible and what wasn't, with respect to crocodiles".
"From a legal point of view there are some challenges, but it's certainly workable," he said.
Mr Duffy said the legal definition of recklessness had been contested in various Australian jurisdictions and any legislation would need to strike a delicate balance.
"If it's worded too broadly, it can create a situation of uncertainty where people are unsure what they can and can't do," he said.
Reckless or reasonable?
Ms Ward said being the victim of a crocodile attack would not automatically warrant punishment.
Instead, authorities would need to consider whether someone had taken heed of recent warnings and the advice of rangers and traditional owners.
"If you're doing all of those things, then you're not being reckless," Ms Ward said.
"You're taking the risk and being reasonable."
Mr Irwin said penalties were likely to apply in very few cases and noted Australia had a very low rate of attacks compared to other countries where estuarine crocodiles could be found.
"They've got this type of legislation on K'gari (Fraser Island) to protect the dingoes and that's working extremely well," he said.
"You still get the odd person who wants to do something extremely silly and if they want to do that they have to pay a price for it."
