INDEPENDENT NEWS

Campbell's call to whaling protestors 'ludicrous'

Published: Tue 17 Jan 2006 04:02 PM
Campbell's whale call 'ludicrous'
Environment Minister Ian Campbell's call for the activities of whaling protesters to avoid becoming 'not sensible' is ludicrous in light of the Minister's failure to do anything meaningful for the whales, Greens Senator Bob Brown said in Hobart today.
"Australians are outraged by the whaling and want government action.
But, sensing that, the Minister implies it is not the business of Australians but is up to the people of Norway and Japan," Senator Brown said.
Mr Campbell's statement in October that, "Australia is absolutely committed to continuing non-lethal whale research and our campaign to highlight the flaws in 'scientific' whaling will be vigorously pursued," had fallen flat, Senator Brown said.
"Having spent 2 years and countless millions of dollar flying around the world in an attempt to demonstrate his commitment to bringing an end to whaling, today he tells us that it is really up to the citizens of Japan and Norway.
"If that is the case why has he previously claimed to be leading the diplomatic charge?
"If that is the case why has he called on Australian state premiers and local councils to join him in 'his' campaign?
"What has been the cost to the Australian taxpayer of the Minister's futile campaign?" Senator Brown asked.

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