Gillard Govt must send observers to whaling fleet urgently

With the Steve Irwin now escorting the damaged Brigitte Bardot back to port, leaving the Bob Barker the only vessel still attempting to stop the whaling fleet, the Gillard Government must urgently send an observer to the area, the Australian Greens said today.

"If Tony Burke is concerned about safety in the Southern Ocean, as well as protecting whales in the sanctuary, he should immediately send an observer ship to the area," Australian Greens Acting Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

"With the whaling fleet boosted by $28 million worth of extra resources to reduce its debt and increase security, the Southern Ocean could see the worst whale kill in many years as well as great risk to those trying to stop it.

"It is now more urgent than ever that the government sends an observer."