Senator Bob Brown:

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 2 February 2012:

With reference to the answer to question no. 1277, regarding Japanese whaling ships in the Southern Ocean:

(1) Has the Government sought more information from the Japanese Government following reports from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society that the vessel Shonan Maru 2, which is clearly marked 'Government of Japan', had armed guards on board.

(2) Has the Government formally protested to the Japanese Government over the vessel's entry into the Australian Whale Sanctuary.