[Greens-Media] Hiroshima Day: Milne calls on Australians to reject nuclear option

[Willis, Katrina (Sen K. Nettle)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Embargoed until 0001

Saturday, 6 August 2005


Hiroshima Day
Milne calls on Australians to reject nuclear option

Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania Christine Milne today called on
Australians to reject nuclear power as an option for addressing climate
change and instead to maintain a passion for peace and disarmament.

"Today the world commemorates the 60th anniversary of the United States
bombing Hiroshima, instantly killing more than 70,000 people and
condemning tens of thousands more to death from cancer in the months and
years that followed," Senator Milne said in Hobart.

"More than half a century later the world continues to live in the
shadow of Hiroshima and the threat posed by nuclear weapons stockpiles.


"Iran appears determined to convert uranium ore for nuclear reactor fuel
while the United States undermines the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"In Australia the Coalition government is expanding uranium mining which
feeds the international nuclear energy industry and risks being diverted
for weapons use.

"John Howard's grab for the Northern Territory's uranium can only mean
exports for China. It is code for short-term gain and long-term pain,"
Senator Milne said.

"The Australian Greens reject a nuclear-fuelled future. It is not a
choice between coal and uranium. The world must move beyond both.

"Climate change provides the opportunity to create new jobs and export
opportunities from investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy,
turning the Australian economy around to ensure future prosperity is not
at the cost of our environment.

"Hiroshima Day reminds us that nuclear power is never the answer. We
should be preparing for peace, not war."

Senator Milne will attend a Hiroshima Day memorial service at St David's
Cathedral in Hobart on Saturday.

Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562