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

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 318 standing in my name for today relating to the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary be taken as a formal motion.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is not granted, Senator Whish-Wilson.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government deeply values Australia's close and enduring friendship with Japan, based on our shared values and a commitment to peace, prosperity and the rule of law. We warmly welcome Prime Minister Abe, his wife and delegation to Australia. As the Prime Minister stated this morning, our two countries have forged one of the world's firmest friendships and most practical partnerships. The signing of the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement will lift this relationship to an even higher level.

The government's position on the matters raised in the Greens' motion is well known. Raising this issue today is nothing more than a stunt. In moving this motion, the Greens have, once again, shown disrespect for a visiting head of government. That is why the government have denied formality.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Claire Moore (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I need to put on record again our party position. We believe that any complex or contested motions, particularly those to do with foreign affairs, should not be put to this place in the form of a blunt notice of motion. On that basis, we maintain our position in not supporting formality for such motions.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to 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)