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

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) in regard to the operation of the FV Geelong Star in the Small Pelagic Fishery, notes:

(i) the Report of the Expert Panel on a Declared Commercial Fishing Activity - Final (Small Pelagic Fishery) Declaration 2012 which found mid water trawling by large factory freezer vessels would negatively impact on protected species such as seals, dolphins and sea birds,

(ii) recent Australian Fisheries Management Authority reports that four dolphins and two fur seals were killed on both the first and second fishing trips of the FV Geelong Star, and

(iii) media comments by the Minister for the Environment (Mr Hunt) indicating That the dolphin deaths are unacceptable and outrageous; and

(b) calls on the Government to protect cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in Australian waters.

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.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-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

Australia's fisheries are world-class and sustainably managed. Decisions are made using the best available science. This will continue under this government's watch. The independent Australian Fisheries Management Authority has responded swiftly to government and community concern regarding recent dolphin mortalities by the Geelong Star, with further strict conditions.

This government will ensure that Commonwealth fisheries continue to be managed in an ecologically sustainable way, and that they are not having a detrimental impact on protected species such as seals, dolphins and sea birds. Importantly, Commonwealth fisheries are accredited under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Further, the government has committed $2 million to the implementation of a whale and dolphin protection plan, including a national whale trail to encourage community involvement in the dissemination of information about whale migration and a stranding action plan to improve survival of stranded and entangled animals.

Question agreed to.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave has been granted for one minute.

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