RAUCUS ANTI-AUKUS CAUCUS – 7 October
RAUCUS ANTI-AUKUS CAUCUS. Thu 7th Oct 2021, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm AEDT
Raucous Anti-AUKUS Caucus with Scott Ludlum, Guy Rundle, Felicity Ruby, Dimity Hawkins, Prof Clinton Fernandes, Jacob Grech, & Dave Sweeney
Event description
Australia plans to develop a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines as part of the new AUKUS trilateral military pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. This has been described as an act of nuclear proliferation. The pact will increase the US military footprint and troop deployment in Australia, with these nuclear-powered submarines just the thin edge of the wedge.
The Chinese government has already responded with the threat that Australia is now a nuclear target.
On Thursday 7 October 6.30-8pm Renegade Activists Action Force (RAAF) will host an online public forum for a national response to this issue, featuring former Western Australian Senator Scott Ludlum, author Guy Rundle, Professor of international and political studies at the University of New South Wales, Clinton Fernandes and long standing anti-nuclear campaigners Felicity ‘Flick’ Ruby, Dimity Hawkins, Jacob Grech and Dave Sweeney. Breakout rooms will enable you to share ideas for actions to resist AUKUS in your local community.
A follow up online gathering will take place in the weeks following this event for local groups to check in and share progress.
REGISTER at RAUCUS ANTI-AUKUS CAUCUS.
27 September Australian premiere of film ”The Atom: A Love Affair”
In November the UN Climate Change Conference takes place in Glasgow and time is running out for our federal government to decide on a new climate plan.
Positive pressure is coming from state governments and the private sector who are moving away from coal and gas and investing in clean energy solutions. People power is blocking public money going to climate pollution. However, I fear that a pivot away from fossil fuels might encourage a handful of politicians and lobbyists to once again take up the toxic torch and spruik nukes in Australia.
Nuclear power is high cost and high risk. It would be a threat to our communities and natural world and, like coal and gas, has no place in our future.
We know this because we have had decades of watching its deadly and avoidable consequences hit all parts of the world. The Atom: A Love Affair documents this story and humanity’s turbulent love-hate relationship with nuclear power from post-war to present day – watch an exclusive Australian-first screening of it.
What: Australian premiere screening of The Atom: A Love Affair and Q&A with Director Vicki Lesley, former Greens nuclear spokesperson and writer Scott Ludlam and former ACF President Professor Ian Lowe AO
When: Monday 27 September 7.30pm AEST (Q&A starts at 9pm AEST)
Where: Online via livestream – buy your tickets now.
Cost: $10
Panellists:
Vicki Lesley has been working in documentaries for over 20 years. She has developed and made top-rated & award-winning TV shows for broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Discovery & National Geographic and directed independent short films which have screened at festivals around the world and online. THE ATOM: A LOVE AFFAIR is her first feature documentary.
Professor Ian Lowe AO is a leading Australian public academic and intellectual with a keen interest and direct experience in the nuclear and climate sectors and discourse. As well as being a physicist, former CEO of the Commission for the Future, President of the Australian Conservation Foundation and a referee with the International Panel on Climate Change his career has included extensive engagement with universities, research councils and advisory groups. Ian is the author of numerous books and articles, including Living in the Hothouse, A Big Fix, A Voice of Reason, Bigger or Better?, The Lucky Country? and the newly published Long Half Life – exploring the nuclear industry in Australia. He is also the author of a 2006 Quarterly Essay on the prospects for nuclear power in Australia, and a ‘flip book’ with Professor Barry Brook, giving the two sides of the nuclear argument.
Scott Ludlam was a Senator from 2008 to 2017 and served as nuclear spokesperson and deputy leader of the Australian Greens. He has also worked as a filmmaker, artist and graphic designer. Full Circle, recently published by Black Inc., is Scott’s first book and reflects a life of activism, study and travel.
Moderator:
Dave Sweeney has been active in mining, resource and nuclear issues for three decades through his work with the media, trade unions and environment groups. He has been active in some of Australia’s major community campaigns including against uranium mining in Kakadu and radioactive waste dumping in the arid zone. Dave is a co-founder of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. Dave leads the Australian Conservation Foundation’s nuclear free campaign and holds a vision of an Australia that is thoughtful about its future and honest about its past.
Give your opinion. Should there be more community consultation on designating the South Australian farm Napandee as nuclear dump site?
Is more nuclear consultation needed? | POLL. – vote at this link https://www.stockjournal.com.au/story/7395908/is-more-nuclear-consultation-needed-poll/?cs=4894&fbclid=IwAR1tI8ZRalqvuxDyGjUJLeoBb2uS_WRBeMVCEz5FLaHDoCJtXPEGt9Uf62E
20 Aug 2021 Federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt believes the Napandee site near Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula should host the country’s radioactive waste storage facility.
……. But before the decision can be made official, a period of further consultation needs to occur, with the Minister considering relevant comments ahead of deciding whether to proceed with declaring the Napandee site.
Earlier this year, the federal government backed down on a key detail of the National Radioactive Waste Management Amendment (Site Selection, Community Fund and Other Measures) Bill 2020. The bill had the chosen site listed as Napandee, but Labor refused support it on the premise that confirming the site in legislation would prevent the possibility of a future legal challenge.
Federal Inquiry into ANSTO nuclear waste storage, submissions due by 30 July 2021
David J Noonan B.Sc., M.Env.St.,Independent Environment Campaigner and Sole Trader Consultant, A ‘Voice’ of the No Dump Alliance 24 July 21
There is a federal Inquiry into ANSTO nuclear waste storage,
Open for submissions to Friday 30 July, at: pwc@aph.gov.au
see more info on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works Inquiry webpage:
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Intermediate Level Solid Waste Storage Facility Lucas Heights, NSW – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)
FOE has prepared a short letter of submission option, at:
Nuclear Waste Submission – Friends of the Earth Melbourne (melbournefoe.org.au)for longer submission info suggestions – see input by David Noonan available at:
Noonan-PWC-Inquiry-submission-ANSTO-ILW-July2021.pdf (foe.org.au)
my Recommendations are below (if you make any usage its best in your own words)
RE: Extended storage of ANSTO’s ILW on-site at Lucas Heights is warranted until availability of a final disposal option. The indefinite Store for ANSTO nuclear fuel waste & ILW in SA is untenable.
Dear SecretaryPlease consider this Submission (22 page pdf) with five Recommendations (see p.4) and the request for public release of key ANSTO ILW Reports and further information sought from ANSTO (see p.5-6).
Recommendations to the Public Works Committee Inquiry:
Recommendation 1: ANSTO’s proposed public works on Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) storage must be altered to provide for the necessary and proper Contingency to retain ILW on-site in safe and secure extended storage at Lucas Heights “until the availability of a final disposal option”.
Recommendation 2: ANSTO must not pre-empt ARPANSA Licensing decisions. ANSTO must plan for the valid Contingency that an ARPANSA Approval for proposed indefinite duration above ground nuclear fuel waste and ILW storage in SA may not be granted.
Recommendation 3: The PWC must require and confirm the suitability of any assented ANSTO public works to provide for – and comply with – the necessary Contingency to retain ILW on-site at Lucas Heights until a final disposal option is available.
Recommendation 4: Transparency requiresANSTO must release key ILW Reports and further information to provide an adequate basis for informed decision making in consideration by the PWC and to facilitate informed public interest input to this Inquiry. Including: Two ANSTO Intermediate Level nuclear waste Reports required as part of ARPANSA Licensing Conditions and due to the regulator by 30 June 2020, AND the formal response(s) by ARPANSA.
Recommendation 5: The PWC Inquiry should consider that proposed indefinite storage of ANSTO nuclear fuel waste and ILW in SA is untenable and compromises safety and security in SA. ANSTO’s premise to transfer ILW into indefinite storage in regional SA is contrary to International Best Practice (IBP) and does not comply with ARPANSA Committee advice.
In Conclusion: Extended storage of ANSTO’s ILW on-site at Lucas Heights is a warranted public interest measure and a necessary Contingency until availability of a final disposal option.
ANSTO’s public works are premised on an il-considered, unassured and arguably untenable transfer of ILW into indefinite storage of ANSTO nuclear fuel waste and ILW in regional SA.
I have provided a range of public Briefing materials, for instance: “Nuclear Waste Store siting at Napandee also targets the Port of Whyalla” (see p.21-22).
Join the gathering – Stop the Nuclear Dump – Adelaide Friday July 2
Join the gathering – Stop the nuclear dump! Don’t dump on SA! Please join us on Friday July 2 to voice opposition to the Morrison government’s plan to impose a national nuclear waste dump near Kimba in SA.
The nuclear dump is unwanted, unnecessary and unsafe. It is unanimously opposed by Barngarla Traditional Owners and many other South Australians.
When: Friday July 2, 1 pm for 1.30 start to 3pm
Where: Steps of Parliament House on North Terrace
Some things you can do to help stop the imposition of the proposed nuclear dump:
* Donate to the Barngarla crowdfunder to fund a legal challenge (judicial review).* Sign the Barngarla petition* Sign the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) petition* Join the Adelaide-based ‘Don’t Dump on SA’ group, we meet on zoom every Tuesday (or sometimes every second Tuesday). Contact: jim.green@foe.org.au, 0417 318368
Keep uranium in the ground!
Keep uranium in the ground! https://www.nature.org.au/get-involved/take-action/keep-nsw-nuke-free-no-uranium-mining/
Nuclear is part of the old, dirty and dangerous way of producing energy. In the age of cheap, reliable, clean energy, we just don’t need it. 21 Aug 20,
The media have reported that NSW Cabinet members have bowed to pressure from One Nation Leader Mark Latham and Nationals Leader John Barilaro to overturn a ban on uranium exploration and mining.
But there is still time for people like you and me to stop this disaster. Cabinet is set to make a decision this Monday (August 24), ahead of a vote in parliament.
WE URGENTLY NEED YOU to ask your MP to commit to voting down this terrible law.
Will you please also ask them to pressure their Party Leader to reject the plan and vote against it if it comes to parliament?
Uranium mining in other parts of Australia has left a terrible legacy of radioactive pollution, including in the Northern Territory where a massive $1 billion clean-up is underway at the Ranger mine in the middle of Kakadu national park.
Toxic uranium mining could become legal in NSW within weeks if your local MP supports a One Nation and National Party deal to overturn a 30-year ban.
Senate Nuclear Waste Inquiry – the Public Hearing that is in fact a Secret Hearing!
Looks like the Public Hearing on Monday is “in camera” No program posted, but time set for 11.00am – 1.30pm Canberra time
Saturday 15 August 2020 at 7:00 PM Australian Premiere — No Extradition: Julian Assange’s Father & The Struggle for His Son’s Freedom
Saturday 15 August 2020 at 7:00 PM Australian Premiere — No Extradition: Julian Assange’s Father & The Struggle for His Son’s Freedom
(Director, Pablo Navarrete, 36 mins, Alborada Films) + Q&A
Pablo Navarrete
Pablo is a journalist and documentary filmmaker. He is British-Chilean and founded www.alborada.net and he co-edits Alborada Magazine. Pablo is on Twitter as @pablonav1
John Shipton
Karyn Hemming
Karyn regularly attends Sydney Town Hall Gatherings to support Julian Assange and various other Assange rallies including in London, UK. Karyn is on Twitter as @H11Karyn.
James Ricketson
James is an Australian film director who in June 2017 was arrested while flying a drone over an opposition party (Cambodia National Rescue Party) rally in Phnom Penh. He was found guilty of espionage and sentenced to six years in a Cambodian prison. He spent a total of 15 months in prison until he was pardoned after receiving diplomatic assistance from the Australian government.
Mark is now mostly a lawyer but he was previously a well known Australian investigative journalist and foreign correspondent. He was consistently present with Julian Assange inside the so-called ‘bunker’ at the Guardian prior to the release of the Afghan War Logs.
David McBride
As a legal officer with the Australian Special Forces, during his second deployment to Afghanistan, David leaked secret defence force documents to the ABC which included reports of troops killing unarmed men and children. These documents came to be known as ‘The Afghan Files’. David is on Twitter as @MurdochCadell.
Tickets
Tickets are available for various sized donations ranging from $5.50 to $20.00. Tickets available here. BY
Stephen Perrett https://medium.com/@GongSteve_19445/australian-premiere-no-extradition-julian-assanges-father-the-struggle-for-his-son-s-freedom-b5364229df45
webinar South Australia – too good to waste! – tonight!
webinar South Australia – too good to waste!
Please join us on Wednesday 8 July from 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm (AEST) to take a deep look at the current plans to both dump and store radioactive waste at Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
Speakers:
Adnyamathanha Traditional Owner, Vivianne McKenzie
Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) Chair, Jason Bilney
Kimba grain grower and a leader in the local anti-waste campaign, Peter Woolford
Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear-free campaigner, Dave Sweeney
Wednesday 8 July
NSW/VIC/ACT/QLD: 7.30 – 9pm
WA 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
NT/SA: 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89732027745
For many years the South Australian community has said no to plans for national and international radioactive waste facilities. Now the town of Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula is being targeted by the federal government as a site for both the disposal and extended storage of Australia’s radioactive waste.
This webinar will explore some of the community concerns and actions and outline what is needed to advance a new and responsible approach to radioactive management in Australia.
Petition -stop Kimba nuclear waste dump, establish full inquiry into nuclear waste management
Amendments to the Radioactive Waste legislation currently being considered by the Senate would lock in Kimba as the National Suppository & deny procedural fairness to the majority of Australians.
Petition the Federal Government to stop the censure of the existing democratic process which currently requires considering the voices of those who may be affected.
“I call on the Federal Government to not proceed any further with the site selection process and establish a full inquiry into all radioactive waste management options which has yet to be conducted.
In addition, it is imperative that all stakeholders within transport corridors be consulted. Communities should be fully informed of the relevant costs and benefits, throughout the transport chain, and offered the opportunity to have their say on the proposal.”
https://www.sarahhansonyoung.com/no_dump
ENuFF[SA]
Office Admin
https://www.facebook.com/sanuclearfree/
YELLOWCAKE COUNTRY – WEBINAR SERIES
Don’t miss the first Yellowcake Country webinar next Wednesday 10 June from 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm (AWST) | 
NSW/VIC/ACT/QLD: 7.30pm | NT/SA: 7.00 pm.
We’ll be hearing from international activists from Taiwan, India and Japan who will share their powerful stories of the impacts of the nuclear industry in their country that are being directly fuelled by Australian uranium.
Speakers include;
Dr.Vaishali Patil, Indian social activist who will speak on the anti-nuclear movement in Konkon region of Maharashtra state where they are working to stop the proposed Jaitapur nuclear power plant.
Shi Ting Chen, nuclear-free and climate justice campaigner, for Green Citizens’ Action Alliance (GCAA) Taiwan who work to improve the social justice and enhance environmental sustainability by promoting energy transition and creating a nuclear-free and coal-free society.
Tomohiro Matsuoka, Japanese, environmental, social and governance research consultant with extensive knowledge on the Japanese nuclear industry. Tomohiro has worked with victims of the Fukushima nuclear disaster and will share his story of visiting Fukushima in 2019.
The hour and a half format will include guest speakers presentation and plenty of time for questions and discussion. For more information on the event, click here.
This is an online-only event. Please use the video Zoom link to join: https://zoom.us/j/89620002692
This exciting webinar will facilitate the continued public debate about the risks and responsibilities of our involvement in the global nuclear trade. We will bring together a powerful, united movement across the world to share stories for a nuclear free future.
Don’t let the fossil fuel companies pull the strings in Australia’s policy making
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Who’s pulling the strings during coronavirus? Don’t let the fossil fuel companies pull the strings https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/covid-recovery/nccc-transparency/who-s-pulling-the-strings-during-coronavirus?t=KOWp58iMP2 Morrison is letting a group of unelected corporate fatcats set the agenda during coronavirus.
The unelected National COVID-19 Coordination Commission has taken the front seat in policy making. They operate in complete secret – with no oversight, no obligation to disclose who they’re meeting with and no transparency over the decisions they advise on.
Led by a former mining CEO and riddled with fossil fuel lobbyist, they’re doing more to protect fossil fuels than people.1
Judges, rights groups and independent politician Zali Steggal have all called for the group to operate with more transparency. It’s time we back them in with a massive call for more accountability.2 Sign the petition demanding transparency around policy making during coronavirus. References: [2] Zali Steggall increasingly concerned about Morrison government’s Covid Commission, The Guardian, 13 May 2020. |
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Webinar Registration Free Assange – Stop the Extradition
Webinar Registration Free Assange – Stop the Extradition Time May 6, 2020 07:00 PM in London
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ei2DGsIzTsex6XdoK50szg?
link_id=5&can_id=3294684aa2f19f5e6bb632e712ba9105&source=email-3-vital-meetings&email_referrer=email_787333___subject_1060111&email_subject=3-vital-meetings
Organised by Greater Manchester Manchester Stop the War Coalition
Speakers:
Renata Avila – Wikileaks legal team
Tim Dawson – National Union of Journalists
John Rees – Stop the War Coalition
John Shipton – anti-war activist and Julian Assange’s father
Chair: Penny Hicks, Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition
Renata Avila is an international human rights lawyer and Co-convener of the Progressive International. She has been a part of the legal and advocacy team of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks for more than a decade.
Tim Dawson is an NUJ past President and represents the NUJ and the International Federation of Journalists on the campaign against Julian Assange’s extradition.
John Rees is a writer, broadcaster and activist, one of the organisers of the People’s Assembly and co-founder of Stop the War Coalition.
John Shipton is Julian Assange’s father, an anti-war activist dedicated to the campaign to drop the extradition charge and see his son freed.
Make Australia’s environment laws stronger- Have your say before submissions close Friday!
K-A Garlick, Nuclear Free WA, 16 Apr 20 |
We have an opportunity to make our environmental laws stronger and better protect our unique wildlife. The panel of experts reviewing the EPBC Act law want to know what matters to you.
Have your say before submissions close Friday!
As we have seen in the case of Yeelirrie, our current environmental laws are failing. There is a very real threat from the pro nuclear lobby group to remove the nuclear power ban and the uranium triggers from the EPBC Act. We are encouraging people to write in their submission to keep the ban on nuclear power and keep the uranium triggers.
There is a great website, Don’t Nuke the Climate that has all the information on making a submission. Click here.
Also to assist you is a great interview with Dave Sweeney – Yeelirrie and the democratic deficit (RTR Understorey) and a video Yeelirrie – A case for environmental reform.
This once in a decade review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, known as the EPBC Act, could be the turning point for Australia’s unique and incredible wildlife.
Tell the expert panel, that you want stronger environment laws that keep the nuclear power ban and the uranium trigger and that protect wildlife, habitats and ecosystems.
There’s still time to make a submission opposing the nuclear waste dump!
Friendsof the Earth, 30 Mar 20 Please lodge a submission opposing the federal government’s nuclear waste dump plans
Thanks to the 700+ people who have already made a submission! The deadline has now been extended to 9 April 2020.
The National Radioactive Waste Management Amendment Bill amends the National Radioactive Waste Management Act to specifically target South Australia for a national nuclear waste ‘facility’ ‒ a repository for low-level waste and an above-ground ‘interim’ store for long-lived intermediate-level waste including nuclear reactor fuel waste.
The Bill is deeply flawed and should be rejected. Among other problems, the Bill and the existing Act systematically disempower and dispossess Barngarla Traditional Owners who are unanimous in their opposition to the proposed nuclear waste facility.
Please make a submission on or before 9 April to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee which is holding an inquiry to the Bill.
The easiest and quickest way to make a submission is to simply sign our online submission, adding any comments you like.
Click here to use our proforma
Alternatively, you can write your own submission and email it to: economics.sen@aph.gov.au
For information on the inquiry, click here.
For information on the National Radioactive Waste Management Amendment Bill 2020, click here.
1.This month
PETITION – Stop Nuclear Submarines for Australia
GO to https://www.foe.org.au/nonuclearsubs?fbclid=IwAR3JuFtAviP_kTDb5YX3lxHDZymQu86RWp9eW4zUWb9GV966nha3VeyFvCU The Morrison government’s decision to build nuclear submarines has shocked communities around the country.
The move, which occurred without any community consultation, undermines Australia’s nuclear-free status and will generate radioactive waste for decades.
The Prime Minister must reverse the decision to build nuclear-powered submarines and commit to keeping Australia’s military nuclear free.
global pandemic, both locally and throughout our region and on urgent action to deal with the climate crisis.
Read more about the background of this nuclear submarine proposal and why this radical shift in military capability is the wrong decision for those who care about environmental and social justice.
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For updates: see Adelaide group Don’t Dump on SA https://www.facebook.com/dontdumponsa
No Radioactive Waste Facility for Kimba District https://www.facebook.com/noradwastekimba
For international nuclear news go to https://nuclear-news.net
Appeal for Australian Government’s Actions on Japan’s Dumping Nuclear Wastewater into Sea
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
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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
