[Greens-Media] Lack of Government action on whaling

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Lack of Government action on whaling

The Australian Greens today expressed deep concerns for the upcoming whaling season, after comments from Minister Garrett revealed that the Government has no plans to send a vessel into the Southern ocean this summer.

"I am deeply disappointed and amazed that the Government is not sending a boat down to monitor the Japanese whaling activity this season," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"With reports that the Japanese fleet have already left port, it is only a matter of time before they start whaling."

"The Rudd Government have still not delivered on their pre-election promise to support a legal case being undertaken by the Human Society International (HSI), and now we hear they will not be sending any vessels down to monitor the whaling fleet," said Senator Siewert.

"The Japanese whalers continue to hunt whales in our southern waters, regardless of diplomatic talks, public outcry and continued campaigning from NGO's. The Australian people expect the Government to act to stop the slaughter".

"In my home state of WA, the former whaling town of Albany is today celebrating the 30th anniversary of Australia's last whale hunt. I wish this could be a happier day, commemorating the halt of a brutal industry, but without Government action against Japanese whaling, it is a bitter-sweet celebration," said Senator Siewert.

"Minister Garrett should be pursuing international legal action, and supporting NGO's who, without Government support, will be alone in the oceans this summer."

"It looks like diplomacy won't save any whales this summer just like the last couple of years," she concluded.


For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418 401 180
senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  www.rachelsiewert.org.au  |  www.greensmps.org.au