Whaling

Australia stopped whaling in 1978 and since then has opposed those countries that flout the International Whaling Commission ban on commercial whaling through "scientific" whaling. 

Despite this strong stance, Australian governments have not defended Australia's waters and Antarctic waters from whaling operations as strongly as they could. The Greens have introduced legislation that would require the government to monitor whaling in and near our waters and would ban any Australian help to whaling operations.

Antarctica is the world's last great wilderness area. Relatively untouched save scientific exploration the continent provides an unparalleled source of information on our climate and health of our oceans.

But the dangers to this pristine environment are mounting from increasing tourist numbers, its potential mineral wealth and military interest. The Greens believe that a world heritage listing for Antarctica would recognise its special place in the world and give it an extra layer of protection.