[Greens-Media] Enrichment revelation highlights need for state antinuclear laws with teeth

[John Kaye]

Enrichment revelation highlights need for state antinuclear laws with
teeth

Media Release: 14 June 2007

The Howard government’s tilt at uranium enrichment will only be stopped
by strengthening state laws against nuclear fuel cycle facilities,
according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Commenting on plans for nuclear fuel enrichment in Australia uncovered
by the ABC’s 7.30 Report, Dr Kaye said: “I will be introducing
legislation into the NSW Parliament next week designed specifically to
stop any nuclear facilities being forced onto the people of NSW by a
pro-nuclear federal government.
 
“Any move by the Howard government to override existing state laws and
site a reactor, uranium enrichment plant or waste reprocessing in NSW
would automatically trigger a referendum of all voters in this state.
 
“Secretive back-room deals between former Lucas Heights employees and
the federal government, as revealed by the 7.30 Report must not be
allowed to result in dangerous and polluting enrichment facilities in
NSW or anywhere else.
 
“The real risk is that a re-elected Howard government will try to ride
roughshod over state laws. The only real protection will be an
overwhelming popular vote against nuclear facilities.
 
“We are calling on all states to make sure that their laws will also
trigger a plebiscite.
 
“The nuclear mafia is alive and well and it has big plans for Australia.
Even the comparatively anti-nuclear Hawke government was not able to
completely put a stop to enrichment research at Lucas Heights.
 
“The Howard government’s newly found infatuation with the nuclear fuel
cycle is emboldening the nuclear crew.
 
“They are happy to place at risk the health and safety of communities
throughout Australia and to compromise the political stability of
South-east Asia by pushing ahead with uranium enrichment.
 
“The only cure to their nuclear fantasies is a healthy dose of
democracy. We are calling on the Iemma government to support our Bill
and stop this madness,” Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455