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

I think Australia's position on this issue is well known. We remain opposed to all forms of commercial whaling and believe that all information necessary for the contemporary conservation and management of whales can be obtained using nonlethal methods. While the government appropriately advances this issue in a mature way through diplomatic channels, the Greens continue to play cheap politics to their usual fan base. Australia is an active participant in the IWC, which is the proper forum to address issues related to whaling. Australia and Japan have both stated they respect the International Court of Justice decision on whaling and Australia is working to implement the outcomes of this decision through the IWC.

Prime Minister Abbott has already stated publicly that friends can disagree on subjects without compromising their friendship. The friendship between Australia and Japan is bigger than our disagreement on whaling. Australia remains a strong advocate of the global moratorium on whaling and, along with other like-minded nations, the Australian government will analyse closely Japan's latest proposal through the scientific committee of the IWC.

Question agreed to.