Document Index 1999-2000 Ministerial Statements Investing in our Natural and Cultural Heritage Chapter 4

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

The Commonwealth has committed $2.6 million to wildlife conservation programmes in 1999-2000. In general the management of wildlife in Australia is the responsibility of States and Territories; the Commonwealth has responsibility for the management of wildlife on Commonwealth lands and waters and control over the export of wildlife products.

Trade in native species and products derived from them is regulated under the Commonwealth Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1982. This Act gives effect to Australia's obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Act requires that an appropriate management regime be approved to ensure that harvesting of a particular species is not detrimental to its survival.

The Whale Protection Act 1980 provides for the conservation of all cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in Commonwealth waters. Currently, the Commonwealth, States and Territories are working together to develop a national framework for managing whale and dolphin watching. National guidelines for recreational whale and dolphin watching are to be published in mid 1999.

Contact: Environment Australia, Biodiversity Group -- 02 6274 2240