The 21st century should be the century in which the great whales are given permanent, global protection. We should not be taking any steps that could lead to a resumption of the disastrous commercial whaling that occurred in the last century. There are many reasons why whaling should not recommence. Many species were hunted to the point of extinction. Many populations of whales face serious and worsening environmental threats as a result of pollution, conflicting uses of resources, and damage or destruction of habitat.
Whaling practices are also cruel and inhumane.
This is a fundamental issue for Australia and we will not waiver in our goal to seek a permanent worldwide end to commercial whaling. To do so would be in direct conflict with the Australian Government's strong opposition to commercial whaling and its goal of seeking a permanent worldwide ban on commercial whaling. This statement seeks to reiterate the reasons why the Australia Government maintains this opposition. Commercial whaling is unacceptable when the threats that whales face are fully considered. There is a growing recognition of the need for global action and cooperation to conserve our oceans and their biological diversity.