Whalers 'return to Australian waters'

The Federal Government has issued a fresh warning to Japan to keep its whaling ships out of Australian waters after reports vessels are in the vicinity of Australia's exclusive economic zone.

There are reports that Japanese whaling vessels are in the vicinity of Australia’s exclusive economic zone near Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean.

Following the reports, the Australian Embassy has told the Japanese Government it expects whaling vessels to steer clear of Australian seas.

In a joint statement between Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Environment Minister Tony Burke, the Ministers said Australia was “fully committed” to its legal case in the International Court of Justice to bring an end to Japan’s “so-called scientific” whaling.

“The Government strongly objects to whaling vessels passing through Australian territorial seas or our exclusive economic zone,” it read.