| THE Federal Government will take no action against Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin over his recent wildlife foray in Antarctica. The Government was investigating whether Mr Irwin got too close to whales, seals and penguins while filming a documentary in Antarctica earlier this year. Prime Minister John Howard said today that no action would be taken against Mr Irwin, nor would a warning be issued to the Queensland-based self-proclaimed Wildlife Warrior. "I have been told that after a proper examination a decision has been taken that no action of any kind is necessary," Mr Howard said Sky television. "Obviously the detail of that decision will be announced and explained by the (Environment Department) but that is the advice I received this morning." Mr Howard rejected any suggestion the Government had gone soft on Mr Irwin due to his celebrity status. "That is an absurd thing to say," he said. "That is unfair to the Environment Department and it’s unfair to Mr Irwin. "The matter was examined properly and that was the conclusion." |