[Greens-Media] Whaling season imminent, but no Government action

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Whaling season imminent, but no Government action
Tuesday 11th November 2008

The Australian Greens today renewed calls for the Rudd Government to
follow through on their stated opposition to whaling, with this year's
season due to start in a matter of weeks.

"The Japanese whaling fleet is expected to launch within the next month,
yet still the Government refuses to take any active steps to prevent
this annual slaughter," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"If the Government does nothing, it could be left up to community
organisations, most largely volunteer based, to actively monitor and
intercept whaling operations this summer." 

"The Government as yet has not even allocated resources in the budget to
undertake any operations this summer, but is instead hoping for the best
in this coming season," said Senator Siewert.

"It is simply not good enough to keep repeating the rhetoric without any
resources or action. We still have no legal action and instead all we
hear is that Minister Garrett will continue 'strong diplomatic
engagement.'"

"In just a few short weeks, the hunt begins again. I urge Minister
Garrett to take action before we have to sit by and once again watch our
endangered whale population slaughtered under the guise of Japanese
'scientific research,'" she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180