Antinuclear

Double jeopardy: Australian uranium deals are deficient and dangerous

Dave Sweeney, 25 Nov 15  The federal government has failed to serve Australia’s national interest or observe responsible nuclear policy by finalising controversial uranium supply deals with both India and the United Arab Emirates, the Australian Conservation Foundation said today.

News of the signed agreements flies in the face of a recent government-controlled parliamentary committee report on the proposed Indian deal which recommended Australia not supply uranium to India at this time or on these terms.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) said a series of practical steps were urgently needed to address safety, security and legal uncertainty as a pre-condition to uranium sales to India.

“Serious and unresolved concerns have been ignored,” said ACF campaigner Dave Sweeney.

“By putting the promise of profit for uranium companies ahead of the safety of the wider community the government has prioritised nuclear interests over the national interest.

“The Foreign Minister has called the India deal ‘an important milestone’ when it is in fact a millstone and a retreat from responsibility.

“Australian uranium directly fuelled Fukushima.  To fail to learn from this or apply increased scrutiny and rigour to uranium and nuclear deals is indefensible and derelict.

“These two deals are bad deals.  This risky and radioactive trade lacks social license and will continue to be actively contested.”

November 25, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News