George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Whish-Wilson. It is an important matter, and I am grateful to you for raising it. The Australian government is very disappointed by Japan's decision to resume whaling in the Southern Ocean this summer because Australia is, as you know, committed to the protection of whales. That is a position that has been held by both sides of politics since the days of the Fraser government.

The government has made representations at the highest level to urge Japan not to resume whaling this year. The science is clear that all the information necessary for the management and conservation of whales can, in our view, be obtained by nonlethal methods. That is a position, as you know, that was endorsed by the International Court of Justice. We will continue our efforts in the International Whaling Commission to promote whale conservation and uphold the global moratorium on commercial whaling.

Australia and Japan have a strong and productive relationship despite our differences on this issue. Both governments have consistently agreed not to let our differences on the issue of whaling affect the broader bilateral relationship. But, coming immediately to your question, Australia has taken the matter up at the highest levels and is urging Japan not to resume this practice.