[Greens-Media] Media Alert: Press Conference - Rudd follows Howard strategy on radioactive dump

[Simms, Robert (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Friday 28 November 2008

MEDIA ALERT

Press conference

Rudd follows Howard strategy on radioactive dump
The Australian Greens Spokesperson on Nuclear Issues, Senator Scott
Ludlam says the Rudd government is breaking an election promise and
squandering the good will generated by its apology, with Resources
Minister Martin Ferguson executing the Howard strategy for coercive
dumping of nuclear waste in the Northern Territory. 
WHO:
Senator Scott Ludlam, Greens Spokesperson on Nuclear Issues  

WHEN:
1.30pm TODAY, Friday 28th November

WHERE:
Senate courtyard, Parliament House

"Last year when in opposition Labor promised to repeal the regressive
Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act, because they recognised
it imposed the nation's most dangerous waste on unwilling Aboriginal
communities. This week Kevin Rudd celebrated the first anniversary of
his government, but they are not celebrating this broken promise in the
Northern Territory," Senator Ludlam said. 
"Minister Ferguson could hardly be described as upholding the ALP policy
of a process which would be "scientific, transparent, accountable, fair,
and allowing access to appeal mechanisms". It is obviously none of this
things."
Senator Scott Ludlam is this morning participating in an inquiry into
his Bill to repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act
and, which has heard that the case for remote dump sites is based on
politics, not science or engineering.
"It's time the Prime Minister brought Minister Ferguson back into line
and reminded him of the very clear policy the ALP took to the last
election. Continuing down this track is a recipe for avoidable conflict
and confrontation."

Media contact: Robert Simms 0417 174 302


Robert Simms
Media Adviser to
Senator Scott Ludlam
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3467 | Fax: 02 6277 5821 
S1.36, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Non-Sitting weeks: Tel: 02 6277 3566 | Fax: 02 6277 3185
SG111, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Mobile: 0417 174 302  

www.scottludlam.org.au <http://www.scottludlam.org.au/>