Outcome:	2. Antarctic				Question No:  1
Division/Agency:	Australian Antarctic Division
Topic:	Whaling
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Siewert asked:
Is the Government aware of the areas the Japanese whaling fleet has been operating in, particularly in relation to Australia and its Antarctic Territories?

Answer/s:
Japan advised that the Japanese Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the Antarctic (JARPA II) covered the eastern part of IWC Area III, and Areas IV and V. Australian Antarctic waters fall within these areas. Japan reports on research activities after each season.

Outcome:	2. Antarctic				Question No:  2
Division/Agency:	Australian Antarctic Division
Topic:	Whaling
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Siewert asked:
Please provide details of the known locations, including the number of times they have entered Australian Antarctic waters and the amount of time spent in these waters.

Answer/s:

This level of detail is not available.

Outcome:	2. Antarctic				Question No:  3
Division/Agency:	Australian Antarctic Division
Topic:	Whaling
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Siewert asked:
Has the whaling fleet been operating at any time within Australian Antarctic waters, and if so, what response if any has there been to their activities in these waters? Is there any further response planned or underway?

Answer/s:
Yes. The Australian Government has repeatedly objected to scientific whaling in the IWC and other international forums, and through diplomatic channels. The Australian Government will continue to vigorously pursue its whale conservation objectives through diplomatic means.

Outcome:	2. Antarctic				Question No:  4
Division/Agency:	Australian Antarctic Division
Topic:	Whaling
Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Siewert asked:
Can you clarify what rights Australia can exercise over its Antarctic waters? Are these rights contested? Have they ever been tested?

Answer/s:
In accordance with our entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Australia has proclaimed a territorial sea and an exclusive economic zone adjacent to the Australian Antarctic Territory. However, Australia’s jurisdiction over the Antarctic Territory is not universally recognised. Four countries (United Kingdom, New Zealand, France and Norway) recognise Australia’s sovereignty over the area.