PM Transcripts

PRIME U INISTER
FOR PRESS 9 NOV' 1; r. IBER 1977
WHALE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION
The Australian Government, along with the International Whaling
Commission, follows a policy designed to achieve the preservation
and conservation of the many species of whales.
Australia has been in the vanguard in instituting procedures
which have, over the past ten years, already achieved a
moratorium on the taking of many species.
As a result of action initiated at the I. W. C. meeting in June,
the Cheynes* Beach whaling licence has been renewed for one year.
This action was taken on the basis of scientific advice.
However, because the Government is very much concerned about
the preservation of whales now, and in the future, an
independent inquiry will be appointed as soon as the Government
returns to office after the elections.
The inquiry will advise on the best way in which Australia
might continue to pursue the preservation and conservation
of the many species of whales. It will be asked to advise
whether the present course of action, that is, control through
the International Whaling Commission, is in the best interests
of preserving all whale species.