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

I love and value dolphins, as do most Australians, especially children. You cannot put an economic value on how I feel about them, having spent my life surfing and diving with them. Nor can you put a scientific value on it. That is why, in this country, under EPBC law cetaceans are protected. They protected under EPBC law; however, there is an exemption for the fishing industry that allows them to kill dolphins.

There is a disconnect here between our law and what the Australian public want. They want dolphins and other cetaceans protected. The fact that the Geelong Star came here and killed eight dolphins in its first two weeks of operations is simply unacceptable to most Australians. I have been told that it was not meant to kill dolphins. That was not predicted, based on vessel management plan studies. However, it occurred. It is unacceptable, and I am glad that the Senate has made statement today that they want to see cetaceans protected.