Senator Bob Brown asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 13 October 2011: In regard to the Japanese Government's recent announcement that it will send whaling ships to the Southern Ocean again in 2011 with a 'patrol boat' from the Fisheries Agency to strengthen protection: (1) Can a copy be provided of the Australian Embassy's translation of the comments from the Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries about Japan's intention to send whaling ships and a patrol boat to the Southern Ocean in 2011. (2) Does the Australian Government know what sort of military capabilities the Japanese patrol boat has. (3) If it is a Hayabusa class patrol boat, is it true that such a vessel has three gun housings and surface-to-surface missiles. (4) If it is a long-range Shikishima class patrol boat: (a) is it true that it has a helicopter pad; and (b) does this sort of vessel have military capabilities; if so, can details be provide ovided. (5) Has the Australian Government sought clarification on what Japan's Minister meant when he said the patrol boat was being sent to 'strengthen the protection given to the research whaling ships'. (6) Has the Australian Government taken legal advice on its duty of care to activists protecting whales in Australia's territorial waters and the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary; if so, did the legal advice detail any duty on Australia's behalf to send its own patrol boat to ensure the Japanese vessel does not endanger peaceful protests in its territorial waters. (7) Has the Australian Government had discussions with the New Zealand Government following Japan's announcement that it will strengthen the protection of its fleet and the public comments made by the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs about the danger this could pose; if so, who was involved and when did they occur.