Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has dodged questions about whether Australia considered striking a deal with Japan over whaling.
US diplomatic cables obtained by WikiLeaks revealed that as late as February last year, Australia was willing to compromise with Japan on the matter.
The deal had to result in a much lower level of whaling and exclude the hunt from waters near Antarctica.
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The discussion would enable Japan to kill 5000 fewer whales over 10 years and prohibit larger varieties such as humpbacks from being taken.
When asked to comment on the cables, Mr Burke repeatedly said: "Australia's position has always been that whaling should end".
He said it was the government's position not to comment on leaked cables.
Mr Burke said that unlike the Liberal Party, the government had taking action on whaling and taken Japan to the International Court of Justice.
