• Rodney Fox’s injuries.

THE “miracle survivor” of one of the world’s worst shark attacks says the Barnett government’s baiting strategy is a step back to the vengeful shark-killing days of Jaws.

South Australian documentary maker and conservationist Rodney Fox has just commemorated the 50th anniversary of his near-death experience by returning to the scene of his great white encounter.

Defending his title in a spearfishing competition off Aldinga Beach, 65km south of Adelaide, the December 1963 shark attack split open his abdomen, broke all the ribs on his left side and punctured his lungs.

Tooth embedded

Today, he still has part of a great white tooth embedded in his right wrist.

He was away this week when the Herald called, but speaking on his behalf his son Andrew criticised the Barnett government cull.

“It’s disappointing,” he says of the new policy. “It’s a step back 40 years when the film Jaws came out – we’re back to taking vengeance on sharks.

“All the science and advice has been thrown out of the window.”

by CARMELO AMALFI