Danger in plan to hand over environmental regulation from Australian government to the States
Conservationist says uranium mine spill shows states must not be given approval powers http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-09/conservationist-says-states-set-to-water-down-mine-approvals/5145080 The World Today By Katie Hamann 9 Dec 2013, The Australian Conservation Foundation says it is time the Ranger uranium mine was closed permanently after yet another spill in Kakadu National Park, east of Darwin.
More than a million litres of toxic slurry engulfed the mine on Saturday.
The spill coincides with a move by the Federal Government to allow states and territories to assess all mining applications, as part of its overhaul of environmental approvals.
Earlier this year, the Federal Government signed a memorandum of understanding with the Queensland Government aimed at giving the state the power to be a one-stop shop for environmental approvals………. Continue reading
Reckless and radioactive: Ranger uranium project must close
Australian Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues, Senator Scott Ludlam. 9 December 2013. Today in senate question time, Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam asked the Environment Minister’s representative about the massive spill of 1.4 million litres of radioactive acid at the Ranger Uranium Mine.
In response to the Government’s feeble and evasive answers, Senator Ludlam has submitted a detailed log of questions to Commonwealth environmental regulators and has called for the closure of the mine.
“The Minister representing the Environment Minister played down the events over the weekend and the on-going leakage and contamination problems at the Ranger mine.
“In fact this mine has an atrocious track record with more than 150 spills, leaks and license breaches since it opened in 1981. Just a few weeks ago a contaminated vehicle was somehow allowed out of the site. In 2004 workers drank and showered in water laced with uranium. I revealed through Senate Estimates that water with uranium concentrations 5400 times background and a cocktail of other radionuclides are seeping from beneath the tailings dam at Ranger.
“This mine must halt operations until an independent assessment can be completed. In addition, there should be there should be no handing over of federal powers to assess and approve uranium mining projects to state or Territory governments.
“ERA and its hapless regulators must now bring forward plans for the orderly closure of this mine, and entertain no further proposals for extending the life of this clapped out mine.”
Senator Ludlam’s Question Without Notice in Question Time today:http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/content/questions-without-notice/questions-asked-about-1-million-litres-radioactive-acid-spilled-ran
Senator Ludlam’s Question on Notice to the Environment Minister:http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/content/questions-notice/detailed-questions-nuclear-disaster-ranger-uranium-mine
US corporations can see Trans-Pacific Partnership text, but Australian Senate can’t!
Secrecy surrounds Trans-Pacific Partnership talks : http://www.smh.com.au/national/secrecy-surrounds-transpacific-partnership-talks-20131208-2yzea.html#ixzz2n02wqzej December 9, 2013 Peter Martin Economics correspondent The government has refused the Senate access to the secret text of the trade deal it is negotiating in Singapore, saying it will only be made public after it has been signed.
As the final round of ministerial talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership resumed on Sunday, Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz wrote to each of the 12 
participating nations warning that the deal and the secrecy surrounding it presented ”grave risks”.
Australia’s delegate, Trade Minister Andrew Robb, has told Fairfax Media he is prepared to agree to so-called ”investor-state dispute settlement provisions” in return for access to markets including those of the US, Japan and Canada.
The provisions, rejected by the previous Labor government, allow foreign corporations to sue sovereign governments. Continue reading
Waubra Foundation calls South Australian Environment Protection Authority “corrupt”
Waubra Foundation attacks EPA Shannon Twomey Weekly Times, December 3, 2013 THE Waubra Foundation labels the South Australian Environment Protection Authority corrupt and is calling for an external inquiry.
The anti-wind farm group attacked SA EPA over its Waterloo Wind Farm Noise Study findings which were conducted during April and June. The results were released on November 26.
The study found the Waterloo Wind Farm meets relevant SA and international standards and there was no evidence linking the noise from the wind farm to adverse impacts on residents.
But in a letter sent yesterday to South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill, Waubra Foundation chief executive Sarah Laurie said the EPA staff involved in the study were deliberately attempting to corrupt the data and mislead residents.
…….The letter concludes with five “necessary actions” that Ms Laurie has urged from the Premier including an immediate external public inquiry into the SA EPA to investigate breaches of integrity, respect and accountability.
SA EPA’s operations director of science, assessment and planning Peter Dolan said noise from the Waterloo Wind Farm did not breach EPA guidelines.
He said infrasound levels from the wind farm were below the internationally threshold for perception and in many cases analyses of audio records and data were unable to demonstrate associations with events described in noise diaries……http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2013/12/03/590978_national-news.html
Australian Greens call for permanent closure of accident-prone Ranger uranium mine
Greens call for end of Ranger uranium mine operations after slurry spill ABC News 8 Dec 13 The Greens are calling for a permanent end to operations at the Ranger uranium mine in the Northern Territory after a radioactive spill at the site yesterday morning.
A tank containing up to a million litres of uranium ore and acid split, damaging the crane that was trying to repair it and surrounding infrastructure at the mine near Kakadu National Park…..
West Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam says the mine should now be shut down for good.
“The company thinks that the way to save operations at Ranger is to go underground through the 3 Deeps projects,” he said.
“As far as the Greens are concerned the company should be as good as its word and close that facility when its lease runs out.
“I think this latest disaster doesn’t improve anyone’s confidence that the mine is capable of running for another 10 or 15 years.”
Senator Ludlam says there are a number of lessons to be learned from the incident, and has called for the Federal Government to reconsider giving more approval power over uranium mines to state and territory governments.
“I think some short-term lessons include the company disclosing how many other of these leach tanks there are, and whether they’re in the same condition as the one that burst,” he said.
“But in the longer term, this is a very strong sign for Environment Minister Greg Hunt that under no circumstances should he let regulation of the uranium sector go back to the states and territories.”….http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-08/greens-call-for-end-of-ranger-uranium-mine-operations/5142734
Senate inquiry into Abbott’s “Direct Action” policy on Climate Change
Labor, Greens join forces to set up Senate inquiry on Government’s Direct Action policy By political reporter Jane Norman ABC News 7 Dec 2013, Labor and the Greens have moved to establish a Senate inquiry into the Government’s Direct Action policy.
The multi-billion-dollar emissions reduction policy would provide polluters with financial incentives to cut emissions.
The inquiry will examine whether it is the most cost-effective way of cutting greenhouse gases and will report back by late March.
Greens leader Christine Milne says the inquiry will expose the policy as a sham……
Labor and the Greens have already vowed to block the Government’s moves to repeal the carbon tax in the Senate.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-07/labor-greens-join-forces-on-emissions-inquiry/5141872
Abbott government’s spin against renewable energy
The document rightly sheets home the blame for most of the electricity price rises on network costs, but how it spins that tale is a different matter.
Canberra’s new energy mantra: Renewables bad, demand good (excellent graphs) http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/canberras-new-energy-mantra-renewables-bad-demand-good-52964 By Giles Parkinson on 28 November 2013 The apparent antipathy of the new Australian government towards renewable energy, and its attachment to the centralised generation model, is betrayed in an unusual document on electricity prices published recently.
The “Facts on Electricity Prices” document, posted by the Department of Resources and Energy (now part of the Industry portfolio), purports to explain to consumers the reason for recent electricity price rises, and what they, and the government, can do about it.
That’s a fair enough proposition. But it is the unusual language, selective information and outdated data that raises suspicion that this document serves another purpose. Continue reading
Abbot government has not bothered to do any modelling to compare its carbon policies with the ones they’re abolishing
Lack of carbon models ‘shocks’ Xenophon, Herald Sun AAP NOVEMBER 26, 2013
INDEPENDENT Senator Nick Xenophon is “shocked” Treasury hasn’t done modelling to see if taxpayer dollars would be better spent reducing high greenhouse gas emissions activity or boosting clean energy generation.
That is what he told a Senate inquiry on Tuesday that was investigating laws to abolish the carbon tax, the Climate Change Authority and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation after the coalition government used its numbers to pass the package of repeal bills in the lower house……
A Treasury official said the department had not undertaken an analysis of the effectiveness of different programs for delivering abatement and its impact on prices, but would do so if the government asked……..
Senator Xenophon told the inquiry chairman he was surprised the modelling had not been done.
“I must say, chair, I am quite surprised, shocked in fact, that the treasury hasn’t taken any modelling in respect of this.” http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/lack-of-carbon-models-shocks-xenophon/story-fni0xqi4-1226769046270
Senator Ludlam gets evasive answers on Toro Energy’s uranium mining plans
Senator LUDLAM: The company [Toro Energy] may be telling markets one thing and regulators another, which is a dangerous situation for it to be in, if that is the case.
Senator LUDLAM: If I understood your colleague correctly, the assessment of uranium mines is being delegated to states and you are leaving the door open for approvals of uranium mining to also be conducted by states. If these powers go ahead, what will our environment minister actually do? What would be left for the minister to do? Would we even need one?
Senator LUDLAM: This is a 30-year ark of Commonwealth environmental law being dissolved and handed back to the states.
Senator Ludlam asks questions about WA uranium mining approvals
WA uranium mining approvals Senate estimates committee 18 Nov 2013 | Scott Ludlam
Senator LUDLAM: I presume one of the 48 is the Toro uranium proposal, which was on the minister’s desk when the government changed hands. The former minister had made a number of quite extensive and complex requests of Toro. Would you provide us with an update as to whether officers of agencies have met with the company or exactly where that proposal is up to.
Senator LUDLAM: No, it has not-or it was approved, but the minister would not sign off until quite a large number of conditions had been met, and they had not yet been met. Continue reading
Senator Waters gets no straight answers on the Government’s plan to hand uranium assessment to the States
Senator WATERS: …..Am I clear in that you will attempt to retain Commonwealth land and water but will not attempt to retain jurisdiction over state-run projects?
The hand over of EPBC nuclear approvals to states, Senate estimates committee 18 Nov 2013 | Scott Ludlam
“……...Senator WATERS: “…….Could you please explain to me: what is the intended effect of the alteration to the scope of the bilateral agreement as regards nuclear actions and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park waters and Commonwealth waters? What is the effective change? It is on page 7, particularly clause 12.3. ……..
Biggest polluter BHP is Australian government’s advisor on carbon policy!!!
BHP in talks with government to help formulate carbon policy
BHP Billiton reveals it is working with Abbott government on the development of carbon policy, and praises Coalition’s ‘direct-action’ policy for protecting companies that compete in the international arena.
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bhp-in-talks-with-government-to-help-formulate-carbon-policy-20131121-2xyqa.html
Almost two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources can be traced to 90 entities, including BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, a peer-reviewed study has found.
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/bhp-billiton-ranked-in-top-carbon-polluters-20131121-2xyqi.html
Australian Labor votes with Liberals against an amendment for action on climate change
Labor just voted with the Coalition to defeat Adam Bandt’s amendment to the Clean Energy Act repeal bills currently in the Parliament That all words after “House” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
(1) “rejects this bill and the related bills and recognises that global warming is an enormous threat to the Australian way of life and is getting worse; and
(2) calls on the government to take stronger action to protect the Australian people from climate change.”
Northern Territory joining Queensland in wanting State, NOT FEDERAL, control of uranium environmental approvals
Mines minister pushes Top End uranium projects ABC News, By Marty McCarthy 19 Nov 2013, Northern Territory Mines Minister Willem Westra Van Holthe says he will meet his federal counterpart to discuss ways to streamline environmental approvals for uranium exploration.
The Federal Government has already drafted a bilateral agreement with the Queensland Government for more localised assessment of environmentally sensitive projects.
Mr Westra van Holthe says he will discuss ways in talks this week for the Territory to cut red and green tape, to encourage uranium projects in the Top End. “I will be pushing for the NT to have more say and more control over the process of uranium mining,” he said……
Greens Senator Larissa Waters has already raised concerns about the impact of changes to uranium approval processes. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-19/westra-van-holthe-on-uranium-project-approval-process-talks-can/5102786
Queensland, not the National government could control uranium and environment decisions
Qld uranium mines could become state issue, news.com.au 19 Nov 13 THE Queensland government could be given power to assess the impact of uranium mines in the state under proposed federal changes to environmental approvals.
The revelation emerged on Monday as the environment department was grilled by opposition and Greens senators about the federal government’s plan to create a “one-stop-shop” for environmental approvals.
The Queensland and NSW governments have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abbott government over the plan, which aims to deliver faster approvals and eliminate regulatory duplication.
Opposition to the policy has been fierce, with critics claiming it will erode crucial environmental protections by handing federal powers to the states.
Australian Greens senator Larissa Waters on Monday quizzed officials from the environment department about whether the Commonwealth would retain power over nuclear activity under the proposed changes.
She said Environment Minister Greg Hunt had previously indicated nuclear activity would be “quarantined” under the changes, and asked if this was still the case.
Newly appointed department secretary Gordon de Brouwer told a Senate estimates committee that nuclear activity was “approved by the Commonwealth minister, and assessed under this agreement by the state”.
“So this does give away the assessment of uranium mining to Queensland?” Senator Waters asked about the proposed agreements.
“Yes, it allows the state to undertake those assessments, subject to the agreement,” Mr de Brouwer replied……http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qld-uranium-mines-could-become-state-issue/story-e6frfku9-1226762510990
New Senator, Nova Peris, speaks out against Muckaty nuclear waste dump plan
Senator Nova Peris OAM. Maiden speech, 13 November 2013 CRIKEY, BOB GOSFORD | NOV 13, 2013 “……….. Aboriginal Australians are symbolic of triumph over adversity. We represent knowledge and wisdom held in land and country.
Because in our hearts we know that we do not own Mother Earth, the Earth owns us……..
I acknowledge I am a Senator elected to represent all Territorians— and I fully intend to discharge this duty to the best of my ability and I will always put our concerns – the concerns of Territorians first and foremost.
I believe it is my duty and the duty of all members elected to the Parliament to answer questions and deal with issues honestly and openly.
One such matter that is a very contentious issue is the location of Australia’s proposed nuclear waste facility. Recently my Larrakia uncle Eric Fejo who is also here today spoke about the previous Government’s decision to locate the proposed nuclear waste facility on Muckaty Station in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.
He reminded a public forum that during the Apology to the Stolen Generations it was stated that Governments were wrong to make laws and policies that inflict profound grief, suffering and loss on Aboriginal people.
That is what the Muckaty decision is currently doing. It is dividing a community of traditional owners. This policy is inflicting grief.
I strongly urge my fellow parliamentary colleagues to reconsider their support for the current location of this facility.
Of course Australia needs a nuclear waste management facility. But its location must be based on science not politics……..
I acknowledge I am a Senator elected to represent all Territorians— and I fully intend to discharge this duty to the best of my ability and I will always put our concerns – the concerns of Territorians first and foremost.
I believe it is my duty and the duty of all members elected to the Parliament to answer questions and deal with issues honestly and openly.
One such matter that is a very contentious issue is the location of Australia’s proposed nuclear waste facility. Recently my Larrakia uncle Eric Fejo who is also here today spoke about the previous Government’s decision to locate the proposed nuclear waste facility on Muckaty Station in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.
He reminded a public forum that during the Apology to the Stolen Generations it was stated that Governments were wrong to make laws and policies that inflict profound grief, suffering and loss on Aboriginal people.
That is what the Muckaty decision is currently doing. It is dividing a community of traditional owners. This policy is inflicting grief.
I strongly urge my fellow parliamentary colleagues to reconsider their support for the current location of this facility.
Of course Australia needs a nuclear waste management facility. But its location must be based on science not politics….
I also particularly thank former Prime Minister Julia Gillard from the bottom of my heart for her faith in me and for giving me the chance to become involved – my duty now is to work hard and make a real difference….http://blogs.crikey.com.au/northern/2013/11/13/senator-nova-peris-oam-maiden-speech-13-november-2013/
1 This month
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/235274195556
21 April Webinar: No Nuclear Weapons in Australia
Start: 2026-04-21 18:00:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
End: 2026-04-21 19:30:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
Event Type: Virtual
A virtual link will be communicated before the event.
Host Contact Info: australia@icanw.org
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 