The Australian Greens today renewed calls for immediate action on Japanese whaling operations, saying there is overwhelming support from the Australian community for such action.

Polling indicates that there is very strong public support for the Australian Government to take international legal action to try and stop the Japanese whaling program (87%), even if it means compromising our relationship with Japan (91%).*

"This should be a clear wake-up call for the Government - the public demand action," said Greens spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert.

"The community clearly believe that Environment Minister Peter Garrett is not doing enough with 71% believing the Minister has not done enough to stop the slaughter."

"Australia needs to be taking stronger action. We need to pursue legal avenues through the international court and the Antarctic treaty, and confront Japan on this issue in other international forums."

"Australians want their Government to take action to stop the slaughter," she concluded.

*Poll data: Essential Media Communications (EMC) June, 2008