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FOR PRESS 19 MARCH 1978
ELECTORATE TALK
The Government's desire to conserve Australia's environment continues
as a high priority.
Our decisions in relation to Kakadu National Park in the othr
Terriroty and sand mining on the fragile Fraser Island are evidence
of this concern to-protect Australia's unique environment.
We have also shown an understanding of other sensitive conservation
issues.
Nan'-thousands of Australians and men, women and children
throughout the world have long felt db-ep concern about thec
activities of' whalers.
There is a natural community disquiet about any activity that
threatens the extinction of any animal. species.
I abhor any such activity particularly when it is directed against
a species as special and intelligent as the whale.
There are however two distinct views in relation to the activities
of whalers.
One view put to me strongly is that all whale species under threat
of extinction are protected by moratoriums imposed by the
International Whaling Commission and that current policy is in line
with the best principles of conservation.
An alternative viewv which has also been Strongly argued to me is
that the present practice of killing whales does endanger the whale
species. Many other arguments have also been put on both sides.
The Government believed the only fair way to resolve this issue
was for an independent inquiry to look at every aspect of whaling,
and I announced this course in November last year.
I can now say that this Inquiry will be conducted by an eminent
Australian, The Honourable Sir Sydney Frost.
Sir Sydney, formerly a Queens Counsel at the Victorian Bar was
Papua New Guinea's first Chief Justice until his recent retirement.
We are keen to see this Inquiry start as soon as possible and I
shall be meeting with Sir Sydney tomorrow. / 2
cr this Inquiry he will have the support of scienti. i. c advisors
and a secretariat, and I expect he will report back to the
overnment in Seotember or shortly after.
The Inquiry's brief is clear. It will recommend to the Government
the best way Australia should carry out its policy of conserving
all species of whales.
Specifically, it will be asked to examine whether Australian whaling
operations should continue or cease. It will examine the consequences
for international whaling arising from our decision.
In preparing terms of reference for this Inquiry the Government was
keen to evaluate the views of all parties directly affected.
We received submissions from the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company in
Western Australia, the Western Australian Government, Project Jonah
and Greenpeace Australia.
It will be open to the Inquiry to hold public sessions and submissions
will be sought from the general public, scientific experts,
conservation groups and whaling interests as well as Government
departments and agencies. The Inquiry will also be able to draw on
international expertise.
The Government's concern and involvement in the protection of
Australia's wildlife much of it unique is also reflected by
our strong support for the World Wildlife Fund.
The World Wildlife Fund is an international organisation which
raises money for projects around the world to help save endangered
wildlife and habitat.
It operates from a series of independent national organisations which
currently exist in 26 countries.
The Fund hopes Australia will be the 27th country, and the Australian
Government is giving its full support and encouragement.
I hope that with the establishment of the World Wildlife Fund in
Australia there will be increased resources given to projects to
preserve a large number of our wildlife species which are threatened
with extinction.
The Fund does not administer conservation projects itself, rather it
applies the funds it raises to projects operated by other
conservation groups.
During my visit to London last June, I held discussions with
Sir Peter Scott, noted ornothologist and Chairman of the World
Wildlife Fund.
Last Friday, I met with representatives of the Fund, including its
Director-General, who reported on discussions they are presently
having in Australia prior to formally establishing a branch in our
country. We are hopeful that this can be achieved no later than the end of
this year. / 3
The Government ill, of course, continue to give every possible
support and encouragement to the Fund throughout the year,
including in the critical stages of its launching.
As tangible evidence of our support the Government will legislate
to make donations to the Fund tax deductible.
M. uch of Australia's environment, our wildlife and habitat,
are unique.
We are determined to preserve our great heritage for present and
future generations of Australians and visitors.
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