Working group to decide whaling body's future
Updated
![Australia and Japan will be part of the discussion group on the future regulation of whaling. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/japan_whaling_121107_afp.jpg "Australia and Japan will be part of the discussion group on the future regulation of whaling. [AFP]")
Australia and Japan will be part of the discussion group on the future regulation of whaling. [AFP]
The future of the international whaling commission will be decided over the next 12 months with a working group set up to oversee its regulation.
Our reporter at the IWC meeting in Santiago, Sarah Clarke, says over the next twelve months a working group will discuss the state of the organisation and its future regulation.
Australia and Japan will be part of the discussion group.
The Japanese whaling commissioner, Joji Morishita, says it's an historic step forward.
"Japan has been cooperating and will continue to co-operate with this process, recognising we have different positions and the views about the whaling issue".
Australia's environment minister, Peter Garrett, says Australia is committed to the discussion.
"There must be reform, this reform must be open and transparent," he said.
The working group will report to the IWC at next year's meeting.
