Senator LUDLAM-Thanks for sticking around. I gather we have juggled the scheduled, so that is appreciated. Can you tell us the role of the authority in Operation Talisman Saber 2011, if any?

The Australian Greens have welcomed the arrival of the Sea Shepherd vessel ‘Steve Irwin' on a brief stopover in Hobart this morning.

"The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has again shown up the timidity of the Government, seeking to enforce international law while the Australian Government stands on the sidelines," said Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

"These campaigners have inspired Australians with their courage and willingness to act while notionally anti-whaling states like Australia stand by and do nothing.

Scott talk to ABC's AM about the environmental impacts of the Montara wellhead oil spill.

Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2009

*1483 Senator Ludlam: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Defence-In regard to the Talisman Sabre military exercises in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland:
(1) What type and number of land vehicles, amphibious vehicles, aircraft and navy vessels will be involved in the 2009 exercises.
(2) What types and quantities of fuel are expected to be needed for the 2009 exercises.
(3) How much live fire will be used in the 2009 exercises.
(4) Will any missile firing take place in the 2009 exercises.

(Question No. 1288) Senator Ludlam asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, upon notice, on 6 February 2009:

(1) Can an indication be provided of when the Australian Labor Party's election promise to incorporate a ‘greenhouse gas trigger' in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the Act) will be implemented.

Senator Ludlam: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts (transferred to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence on 19 December 2008)-

(1) What environmental impact studies have been conducted in relation to the planned Exercise Talisman Sabre 2009, which will involve the movement of tens of thousands of troops, with associated tanks and other military hardware, on the fragile ecosystems of the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area in Central Queensland.