Antinuclear

Labor-Liberal coalition refuse to study dangers of uranium transport

 29 November 2012. Labor and the Coalition stood united today in their strenuous effort to completely ignore the dangers posed by uranium mining and transport.

Australian Greens nuclear policy spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam said the major parties “defied logic and decency” by refusing to support an inquiry into the uranium industry.

“With no fewer than three states pushing for uranium mining we need an inquiry into the existing laws governing the industry; yet the major parties studiously keep their heads in the sand.

“You’d assume the ALP and Coalition would want to know if our regulations properly protect the public from radiation exposure from uranium oxide transport – but it appears that’s not the case.

“You’d assume the ALP and Coalition would have an interest in the
preparedness and resourcing of regional emergency contingency planning
and training services – to ensure we are ready if there’s a uranium
accident – but we now know they don’t care.

“You’d assume the ALP and Coalition would be curious about the
frequency and severity of transport and handling accidents involving
uranium oxide – but they would prefer to hear no evil and see no evil.

“The history of uranium mining in Australia is long and sordid;
littered with accidents, leaks, near misses and scandals.  With the
Tory governments of New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland
charging down this blind alley, we need an inquiry into this dangerous
industry – but Labor and the Coalition would rather remain in blissful
ignorance.”

December 1, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, uranium