The Australian Federal Court ruled last friday that environment group the Humane Society International (HSI) could sue Japanese whaling company Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha Ltd to get an injunction forcing the Australian government to stop whaling within the Australian Whale Sanctuary in Antarctica.
According to Channel Nine News:
“In May last year, Federal Court Justice James Allsop refused the group permission to proceed with the case, after federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock raised concerns it could spark a diplomatic incident between Australia and Japan.
But the court’s full bench found Justice Allsop made an error in deciding HSI’s case should not have gone ahead because it might have been ignored by the company, as Japan did not recognise the sanctuary.
Chief Justice Michael Black and Justice Ray Finkelstein also said in their judgment that too much consideration was given to Mr Ruddock’s concerns.
HSI wildlife and habitat program manager Nicola Beynon said it was an important decision that allowed the group to “take the fight” directly to the company.“
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Thanks Ann for sending me the link.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.