The petition of residents of the State of Queensland, in particular those in Hervey Bay, draws the attention of the House to the Japanese Government’s intention to expand its whaling program (including the resumption of hunting humpback whales) and the devastating effect this would have on the local tourism industry. Further, residents support the Federal Government proposal to create an international whale sanctuary in the South Pacific, especially in the pristine waters off Antarctica where (according to the World Conservation Council) humpbacks are still under the threat of extinction. The petitioners request the House commit to lobbying the Japanese Government to prohibit the expansion of any whaling programs and to support the Federal Government in creating an international whale sanctuary.