Federal MP Bob Katter says croc shooting safaris should be allowed in Queensland's far north following a suspected fatal attack.
Police are still searching for the body of Cindy Waldron (46), who was dragged under water during a late-night swim at Thornton Beach in the Daintree National Park yesterday.
Her friend Leeann Mitchell (47) tried but failed to drag Ms Waldron to safety and later raised the alarm.
Thornton Beach is a known spot for crocodiles, and there have been fatal attacks near the beach previously.
So far an extensive search has found no trace of Ms Waldron, who had been living in Australia for 18 years.
The women went to primary school together in Hamilton, New Zealand, but each lived in different parts of Australia.
Federal MP Warren Entsch holds the electorate where the attack occurred and said it was entirely avoidable.
"You can't legislate against human stupidity. If you go in swimming at 10 o'clock at night, you're going to get consumed," Mr Entsch said.
But Mr Katter, who holds the neighbouring electorate, said croc numbers have reached unprecedented levels and croc shooting safaris could reduce the risk to humans.
"The numbers of crocodiles have exploded. All of crocodiles' predators have been removed," he said in a statement.
"We can put nature back in balance if we have shooting safaris."
Mr Katter criticised Mr Entsch's comments.
"I can't believe that Warren Entsch is attacking the people over this. Defending crocodiles instead of people is stupid."
Mr Entsch said there was no way the women could have been unaware of the risks involved in taking a late-night dip in crocodile country.
"Let's not start vendettas. It's hard enough for some families to make a quid up there in the Daintree, showcasing crocs in their environment," he said.
"There are warning signs everywhere up there. People have to have some level of responsibility for their own actions."
It has been reported that Ms Waldron was attacked while on a holiday to celebrate the end of Ms Mitchell's cancer treatment.
