Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

The footage from the Customs and Border Protection Service and the application for freedom of information in relation to that footage, through you, Mr President to Senator Brown, is a matter within the Minister for Home Affairs’ portfolio because Customs is within the Home Affairs portfolio. That was the explanation I was giving. The actual decision not to release was made by Customs. In relation to that footage, I understand that media outlets have sought release of all footage from the Customs and Border Protection Service under freedom of information. It is the case that Customs has declined to release the footage. This is a decision consistent with previous government statements on this matter. The senator may recall that, in February 2008, the government did release limited footage because it was overwhelmingly in the public interest, but the advice the government heeded at the time was to restrict the amount released to protect any future legal action. I again reiterate that Australia’s position on the issue of commercial and so-called scientific Japanese whaling is clear: the government remains absolutely opposed to it. We have taken unprecedented steps to see it end through a range of strategies, including high-level diplomatic engagement and advancing a comprehensive reform agenda through the International Whaling Commission. Obviously, freedom of information decisions can be reviewed by the agency involved, by the AAT or by the Ombudsman. I again confirm in relation to that refusal— (Time expired)