Don't know about nsw but shark finning is a legal industry in Queensland. Only fins are kept, which are taken with the shark still alive, hence large numbers are killed to reach volume quota. Not only that, sharks in bicatch is huge.
Because unsustainable fishing industries destroy fish populations in the ocean, sharks ( which are just scavenging dogs with sharp teeth) are forced to look else where for food. Because pollution/food in river systems is abundant bull sharks may appear to be increasing in numbers as they are one of a few species that can handle fresh water.
Sup'ing our town reef late yesterday arvo - just before dusk...some baitfish started bubbling close by - not worried...shortly after, saw what looked like a small thresher tail splash about 20m from me - still not 'overly' concerned...about 5mins later noticed a large fin & dark shape swimming a bit further out..., it may have been a dolphin, but...
we suddenly decided that we'd had enough fun & started the paddle in, not because we were scared of a shark...just because we wanted to - OK!?!