Joint
media release: Stephen Smith MP, Minister
for Foreign Affairs, Peter Garrett MP, Minister
for Environment Protection, Heritage and
the Arts, Robert McClelland MP, Attorney-General
28 May 2010
Australia will initiate legal action in
the International Court of Justice in The
Hague against Japanese 'scientific' whaling
in the Southern Ocean.
The decision underlines
the Government's commitment to bring to
an end Japan's program of so-called 'scientific'
whaling in the Southern Ocean. It also demonstrates
our commitment to do what it takes to end
whaling globally.
The Australian Government
has not taken this decision lightly. We
have been patient and committed in our efforts
to find a diplomatic resolution to this
issue. We have engaged in intensive discussions
in the International Whaling Commission
(IWC) and bilaterally with Japan.
We have enjoyed the
support of many other IWC members who share
Australia's concerns and goals. We commend
countries of the European Union, the Buenos
Aires group of Latin American countries,
and others who have joined with Australia
in highlighting, in particular, the necessity
for phasing out whaling in the Southern
Ocean Sanctuary.
But to date, the response
of the whaling countries has not been positive.
Recent statements by whaling countries in
the Commission have provided Australia with
little cause for hope that our serious commitment
to conservation of the world's whales will
be reflected in any potential IWC compromise
agreement.
The Government has always
been firm in our resolve that if we could
not find a diplomatic resolution to our
differences over this issue, we would pursue
legal action. The Government's action fulfils
that commitment.
Australia will remain
closely engaged in the IWC process and will
continue to work hard in the lead up to
and at the IWC meeting in June to pursue
our objectives While an outcome at that
meeting which meets Australia's fundamental
conservation objectives is slim, the Government
will continue to engage constructively in
the diplomatic effort.
Australia and Japan
share a comprehensive strategic, security
and economic partnership. We share a substantial
commercial relationship built over many
decades, growing strategic and security
linkages, and work together closely in key
international forums such as the G20, the
United Nations, the World Trade Organisation
and APEC.
The Government's action
today reflects a disagreement in one element
of a relationship that is deep, broad and
multi-dimensional.
Both Australia and Japan
have agreed that, whatever our differences
on whaling, this issue should not be allowed
to jeopardise the strength and the growth
of our bilateral relationship.
At the same time, the
Australian Government will keep working
tirelessly to achieve an end to whaling
in the Southern Ocean, and we will use all
legal and diplomatic avenues to achieve
our goal.
A formal application
will be lodged in The Hague early next week.
