[Greens-Media] Media Release: Greens reject nuclear solution

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Friday, 14th November 2008 

Why radiate when you can shine?
Greens reject nuclear solution


Senator Scott Ludlam, the Australian Greens spokesperson on nuclear
issues is calling on the government to provide a policy briefing for
senior official, Ziggy Switkowski, who keeps forgetting that the Rudd
government has ruled out nuclear power in Australia.  

Dr Switkowski is Chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and
Technology Organisation and told a meeting of the Australasian Institute
of Mining and Metallurgy in Adelaide last night, that nuclear power
should supply 30% of Australia's energy by 2050.

 "Dr Switkowskis is out of step with the science and public opinion, and
I've never understood why the Chairman of a Government agency spends so
much time promoting an activity that is illegal in Australia.  By his
own admission, it will take fifteen years before nuclear power is
available, yet we can have a safe, efficient renewable energy grid up
and running well before then. Why would we radiate, when we can shine?"

"The idea that nuclear power is a solution to climate change is
nineteenth century thinking. Dangerous nuclear waste and its risk of
irreparable damage to Australia, is incompatible with the green and
renewable vision for Australia's future," said the Greens Nuclear
Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam.

"Australians are calling out for renewable energy and they know nuclear
power has no place in a sustainable society. If the Government won't
provide this briefing to Dr Switkowski, the Australian Greens would be
happy to."

The Senator made the comments as he prepared to travel to the Northern
Territory for an inquiry into his bill to repeal the Commonwealth
Radioactive Waste Management Act and prevent the imposition of a nuclear
dump in the Northern Territory. 

The bill is currently before the Senate's Environment Committee and will
bring greater transparency and community inclusiveness to the management
of nuclear waste. Senator Ludlam will be in Alice Springs on Monday and
Tuesday. 

For more information or media enquiries please call Robert Simms on 0417
174 302