[Greens-Media] Whale protection a 'test of courage'

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 14 September 2006

Whale protection a 'test of courage'

Senator Siewert today agreed with Federal Environment Minister Ian
Campbell that commercial and scientific whaling was unacceptable.
Senator Campbell was responding to statements made recently on the
impacts of pollution on whales.

"Any impacts on whales, be it pollution or whaling is unacceptable" said
Senator Siewert.

"This is why the Minister should be getting ready for the onslaught
again this summer and take legal action to stop the whale slaughter.

"We cannot afford a repeat of last year when the Minister refused to
take legal action while these creatures were slaughtered," she said.

"Greenpeace and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society are already
fitting out vessels to challenge the whalers at sea this summer, because
they don't believe the Australian Government will take firm action,"
Senator Siewert said. 

"I challenge the Minister to surprise us all and initiate legal action
in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. As he says, he has
the support of the vast majority of Australians to show some courage."

For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au