Notice given 13 October 2011

1277  Senator Bob Brown: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs—In regard to the Japanese Government’s recent announcement that it will send whaling ships to the Southern Ocean again in 2011 with a ‘patrol boat’ from the Fisheries Agency to strengthen protection:

 (1) Can a copy be provided of the Australian Embassy’s translation of the comments from the Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries about Japan’s intention to send whaling ships and a patrol boat to the Southern Ocean in 2011.

(2) Does the Australian Government know what sort of military capabilities the Japanese patrol boat has.

(3) If it is a Hayabusa class patrol boat, is it true that such a vessel has three gun housings and surface-to-surface missiles.

(4) If it is a long-range Shikishima class patrol boat: (a) is it true that it has a helicopter pad; and (b) does this sort of vessel have military capabilities; if so, can details be provided.

(5) Has the Australian Government sought clarification on what Japan’s Minister meant when he said the patrol boat was being sent to ‘strengthen the protection given to the research whaling ships’.

(6) Has the Australian Government taken legal advice on its duty of care to activists protecting whales in Australia’s territorial waters and the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary; if so, did the legal advice detail any duty on Australia’s behalf to send its own patrol boat to ensure the Japanese vessel does not endanger peaceful protests in its territorial waters.

(7) Has the Australian Government had discussions with the New Zealand Government following Japan’s announcement that it will strengthen the protection of its fleet and the public comments made by the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs about the danger this could pose; if so, who was involved and when did they occur.

1278  Senator Abetz: To ask the Minister representing the Treasurer—In regard to the Australian Health survey currently being conducted:

(1) How many previous Australian Health surveys have been conducted and in which years were they conducted.

(2) Can a copy of the form used for the Australian Health survey be provided.

(3) Are the questions posed in the current Australian Health survey more extensive than those in previous surveys; if so, what were the extra questions.

(4) In general terms and in relation to Australian Bureau of Statistics surveys, be it the census, small business etc, how often is a penalty for failure to answer questions imposed.

1279  Senator Abetz: To ask the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy—In regard to the answer to question on notice no. 1228 (Senate Hansard , 12 October 2011, p. 118), and in particular paragraph (2) referring to the draft answer and when it was first received in the Minister’s office, why was this question not answered and can an answer to the question be provided as to when a draft answer was first received in the Minister’s office.