Australia has already met with the Japanese Government to discuss Japan’s attempt to exclude itself from the International Court of Justice in matters relating to future whaling activities.
Australia has successfully brought action in the International Court of Justice to stop Japan’s whaling programme. Japan has previously said it would abide by the ruling.
We are taking legal advice on the implications of Japan’s actions.
We are disappointed by Japan’s decision and we hope that Japan does not undertake so-called ‘scientific’ whaling this summer in the Southern Ocean.
Australia remains opposed to all forms of commercial whaling and we assert that research can be conducted using non-lethal methods.
Australia will continue to pursue the issue through the International Whaling Commission and in direct discussions with Japan.
(ENDS)