[Greens-Media] Stakes high for Territory waste dump

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

MEDIA RELEASE


Wednesday, 17 May 2006

Stakes high for Territory waste dump

17th May, 6:30pm for 7pm start
at the Groove Cafe, Progress Drive, Nightcliff NT
Chernobyl Heart Screening and Public Meeting

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert is in Darwin tonight to support the
community campaign to stop the nuclear waste dump from going ahead in
the Northern Territory. 

"We warned last year that any national dump in the Territory would be
the thin end of the wedge - now George Bush has confirmed it for us,"
Senator Siewert said. "I call on the Prime Minister to come to the
Territory and explain his position to the public."

"Prime Minister Howard has gone into damage control over US proposals
for Australia to accept spent nuclear fuel shipments as a consequence of
expanding uranium mining. This proposal  might solve a political
headache for President Bush, but it certainly creates one for John
Howard."

"The nuclear industry has never solved the waste issue, which is one of
the reasons the Greens oppose any expansion of uranium mining. There is
huge international pressure for someone to take the waste so that the
industry can expand. I am extremely concerned that if John Howard allows
the industry to get a foot in the door here, the floodgates will open."

"Greens policy on these issues is clear: we do not support dumping this
material in remote locations, and nor do we support any expansion of the
industry which is creating this intractable waste."

"There are simpler ways to boil water than nuclear fission," the Senator
concluded. 



For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au