[Greens-Media] New reactor opens as ALP lines up to nuke environment and peace movements?

[Nic Clyde]

“While John Howard opens the new nuclear reactor today, the Labor
party are lining up for the biggest nuclear policy betrayal since their
national conference in Canberra in 1984”, said Greens MP and
environment spokesman, Ian Cohen today.

“The concerns of Australians about nuclear waste, weapons
proliferation and the nuclear fuel cycle are falling on deaf ALP ears.

“Despite the song and dance routines of high profile ALP anti-nuclear
campaigners, we are tragically confident that a reversal of the
three-mines policy is a foregone conclusion. The end of the ALP National
Conference on the 29th April will mark the death of principled Labor
party opposition to the nuclear fuel cycle.

“The Greens passionately believe that there is a strong link between
the mining and export of uranium, nuclear power and nuclear weapon
proliferation. Members of the ALP that agree with Greens’ policy on
this issue, should be thinking about quitting their party, and coming
over to the green side of politics.” Mr Cohen said.

In addition, Mr Cohen made a statement in support of the Victorian
Greens, who are under fire from the Victorian ALP on nuclear issues.
“We strongly support our Victorian counterparts’ amendments to
the Bracks Government's bill* on nuclear prohibition. 

“Greens amendments will mean that if there is to be a Victorian
plebiscite on nuclear activities, Parliament will decide the question.
Victorian ALP attacks on the Greens are a proliferation of nuclear
lies”. Said Mr Cohen.


Further Information: 	Nic Clyde: 0417 742 754
Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466

*  NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES (PROHIBITIONS) AMENDMENT (PLEBISCITE) BILL 2007.
This Bill will trigger the calling of a plebiscite of Victorian voters
if the Federal government takes various actions in support of a nuclear
facility prohibited under the Nuclear Activities (Prohibitions) Act
1983

See also Victorian Hansard, Legislative Council from Wednesday 18 April

2007
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/hansard 


Nic Clyde
Adviser to Ian Cohen MLC
w. (02) 9230 3305
m. 0417 742 754