[Greens-Media] Government needs to do more on whaling

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Government needs to do more on whaling
Tuesday 18th November 2008

The Australian Greens today called for immediate action from the
Australian Government on whaling, following reports that the Japanese
whaling fleet left port yesterday.

"The Government's commitment to funding non-lethal whaling research
mustn't stop them preparing for immediate action during the upcoming
whaling season," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"The 2008/09 whaling season is nearly upon us, and whilst I'm glad to
see the Government pursuing the anti-whaling cause, Australians don't
want to see more whales killed this summer while the non-lethal research
gets underway. The Government needs to pursue international legal action
and set in place plans for monitoring activities when the whaling season
starts."

"The Japanese whaling fleet is reported to have left port on Monday, yet
the Government has yet to commit resources for even monitoring
activities."

"This new focus for anti-whaling is welcome, but still relies on hoping
for the best in this coming whaling season. With the Government
allocating no resources in the budget and no plans to send any
surveillance or interception vessels, it will be left up to community
organisations to actively monitor and attempt to stop whaling operations
this summer," she said.

"The need for Government action is now imperative. With the Japanese
fleet reportedly underway, it is only a matter of time before they start
whaling. I urge Minister Garrett to immediately order an Australian
monitoring vessel into the southern oceans."

"Australians do not want another season go buy with hundreds of whales
slaughtered under the guise of Japanese 'scientific research,'" she
concluded.

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