Rita Panahi explains why we shouldn’t criticise Japan for whaling

Rita Panahi says Australia is in no position to criticise Japan for whaling.

The Herald Sun columnist told Tom Elliott there are similar practices going on in our own backyard.

Aborigines in Australia are permitted to continue the ‘traditional use of any area of land or water’ for hunting or food-gathering and for ceremonial and religious purposes.

Rita said this leads to protected species, such as dugongs and sea turtles, being killed – and not always using traditional methods.

‘It’s supposed to be traditional hunting, but they’re using modern weaponry,’ she said.

‘Something needs to be done, but politicians are too scared to tackle this.’

Click play for Rita’s full segment