A mixed blessing – the sudden departure of Australia’s nuclear high priest, Dr Adi Paterson

I am reminded of Hilaire Belloc’s advice to the young – ”Always keep a hold of Nurse, for fear of finding something worse”.

Among other sycophantic tributes, Dr Adi Paterson is lauded for encouraging women into the nuclear industry.

Adi Paterson spent several years in South Africa, trying to establish Small Nuclear Reactors. It turned out to be Tan expensive and useless exercise. Then he came to Australia, with the same dream. He quietly signed Australia up to the Framework Agreement for International Collaboration on Research and Development of Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems, without any consultation, discussion in Parliament (which rubber-stamped this later).

He quietly organised Australia’s participation with China in developing small nuclear reactors.

He rubbished renewable energy at a solar conference.

He went to Kimba to do propaganda for the nuclear waste dump plan, but admitted that there was no economic benefit in the low level waste dump, so the intermediate level waste was the real intention.

Leadership changes at ANSTO, Statement from the ANSTO Chair: Dr Annabelle Bennett 9 Sep 20, Dr Adi Paterson has resigned as CEO of ANSTO slightly ahead of time of his term. He has decided to take a period of leave before formally finishing. ……..

Mr Shaun Jenkinson will continue as acting CEO, while the Board undertakes a global search for a permanent CEO. https://www.ansto.gov.au/news/leadership-changes-at-ansto?fbclid=IwAR0cLOwne84D7XJP9UGwrf1aVAxyXgStAB6502zPYUgsqxdbjUuyUR3MYjo

Adrian “Adi” Paterson is a South African scientist and engineer best known for his work on Pebble Bed modular reactor research and development. He was appointed CEO of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in 2009

In 2006, he became General Manager of Business Development Operations at the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Company in South Africa, and held the position until December 2008. The Company downsized significantly following his departure. In 2010, Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan described the project in Parliament saying that “between 2005 and 2009, it became increasingly clear that, based on the direct-cycle electricity design, PBMR’s potential investor and customer market was severely restricted, and it was unable to acquire either [investors or customers].”

He emigrated to Australia in 2008 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer at ANSTO in March 2009.

September 21, 2020 - Posted by Christina MacPherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, personal stories, politics

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1.This month

For international nuclear news go to https://nuclear-news.ne

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EVENTS

Celebrating the entry into force of the Nuclear Weapons Ban– follow this link to find events in Adelaide, Ballarat,Canberra, Fremantle, Alice Springs, Melbourne, Sydney and more.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enters into force on Friday the 22nd of January, 2021. Around the world, our movement will celebrate this historic achievement and raise the pressure for all nations to sign and ratify the treaty. In Australia, join the events in person and online as we move forward in the campaign for Australia to join the ban.

NATIONAL EVENTS ONLINE:

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: BANNED

Join the Tom Uren Memorial Fund and Anthony Albanese MP

22nd of January at 6-7pm AEDT via zoom.

Register here.

The 22nd of January 2021 is the day the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enters into force. From this day onwards, nuclear weapons will be illegal under international law.

Join the Tom Uren Memorial Fund to celebrate this historic day, honour the past and look ahead towards Australia’s ratification of the treaty.

Contact: Gem Romuld, 0421 955 066 / gem@icanw.org.

CELEBRATE A NUCLEAR WEAPONS FREE FUTURE

22nd of January at 9am AEST Brisbane / 10am AEDT Sydney via zoom.

Register here.

One-hour webinar hosted by WILPF, ICAN and others. Featuring former federal Senator for QLD Claire Moore, Ray Acheson (US, WILPF), Aunty Sue Coleman-Haseldine, Dimity Hawkins AM (ICAN co-founder), Bishop Philip Huggins (President of the National Council of Churches in Australia).

26 January TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021 AT 5:30 AM UTC+11 – 6:45 AM UTC+11

Virtual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony – Online Event by Ballarat Koorie Engagement Action Group – KEAG

Submissions to the Senate Committee Inquiry into National Radioactive Management Amendment Bill. 2020. Go to our summaries of significant submissions, conveniently listed in alphabetical order at Kimba waste dump submissions or see all submissions listed at Read the Submissions

Antinuclear

Australian news, and some related international items