Back in 2007, Prime Minister Rudd made a promise to the Australian Public that if elected he would protect our whales off Australian Shores in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary.  Australia's Whale Sanctuary was established in 1999, but since 1986 more than 10,000 whales have been illegally slaughtered and processed by the Japanese factory fleet and to date there have been no prosecutions for these horrendous crimes.  Prime Minister Rudd said to the Australian people that ocean patrols would be backed up by legal action and Japan would be taken to the International Court of Justice or the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.  This now appears to be all lies.

Captain Paul Watson founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and his first officer, Peter Hammarstedt have been so far refused visa entry to Australia to continue his fight against Japanese whaling.  Despite having a visa granted every year and never having a criminal conviction, our government has seen fit to tie up the process in an attempt to thwart the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's attempts to save our whales after requests to do so by the Japanese government.  We need to send a strong message to PM Kevin Rudd that we want no part in this cruel and disgusting slaughter of these beautiful creatures and we want the Japanese government stopped from continuing to commit these crimes.  Please sign this petition to tell Prime Minister Rudd that Australians and the whole world are watching to see that he keeps this important promise and stands up to protect the whales in Australian waters.

Dear Prime Minister Rudd

We the undersigned, including members of the Australian public and world citizens are concerned that promises made by you in regards to Japanese whaling are not being kept.  The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and ALL of its crew are imperative in  Australia's fight in protecting our whales against illegal whaling from Japan.

We respectfully request that you;

1. Issue visas to Paul Watson and Peter Hammarstedt so that they may continue to protect our whales from illegal slaughter.

2. That you Mr Rudd and the Labor party remain strong in your commitment to the Australian public.  We trust that you will continue to uphold your promise of legal action against the Japanese in the event of illegal whaling in our waters and provide  the resources promised  to protect these whales.

Thank you for your time in addressing this important matter.