Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Whish-Wilson for his question. Australia, obviously and strongly, supports the global moratorium on commercial whaling and we are consistent in opposing any efforts to overturn it. We are consistent in opposing any proposals to weaken the rules for commercial whaling, boating regimes or catch limits for commercial whaling.

The assistant minister has more than very ably—in fact, very capably—represented Australia and the Australian government's position in Brazil in her leading of the Australian delegation. She has undertaken bilateral meetings, has delivered an opening statement at the International Whaling Commission and has outlined our resolute support for the global moratorium and has reinforced and emphasised our opposition to any efforts to overturn it. I am advised that, given the progress of the International Whaling Commission, we are confident that the moratorium will be maintained.