Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

If we have the close, warm relationship with Japan, as Senator Fifield just said, surely we should be able to openly discuss our differences as well as what we have in common. The Greens value the environment. We prioritise looking after the environment. Whales cannot be here today to speak for themselves so we need to do it for them. Everything we put in this motion makes common sense. We are calling on the Japanese government to cooperate with Australian scientists in non-lethal whale research. This is what we do well internationally. This is what we need to do to head off what is a clear direction from the Japanese government to send harpoon boats back to the Southern Ocean next year to kill whales.

Today is the day we should be moving this motion. You can say it is political, Senator Fifield. I am a politician and this is parliament. Whales are important. They are very important, not just to the Greens; they are important to nearly all Australians. Ninety-five per cent of Australians surveyed do not want to see the Japanese killing whales. We should be able to talk openly and honestly. (Time expired)