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| Sandra Kanck Deputy Leader Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council |
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| Mining News |
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| Sandra Kanck Deputy Leader Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council |
News Release |
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| Mining News |
Thursday 4th May 2000
ALP TWO FACED ON NUCLEAR INDUSTRY
The ALP has exposed its outright hypocrisy on nuclear issues by failing to support a Democrats amendment designed to dissuade uranium mining companies operating in SA from setting up onsite uranium enrichment plants, say the Australian Democrats.
When the Mining (Royalty) Amendment Bill went before the Parliament the ALP voted with the Government to give the Minister discretion to reduce mining royalties paid on uranium enrichment to just 1.5 per cent.
"Given that PIRSA officials have just returned from talks with General Atomics (owners of the Beverely uranium mine) in the United States, with further processing high on the agenda, the ALP has effectively voted to encourage the establishment of a uranium enrichment plant in SA, says Sandra Kanck, Democrats Deputy Leader.
"The day after the ALP called on the Premier to oppose the location of a medium to high-level nuclear waste dump in South Australia it was back in parliament supporting the expansion of the nuclear industry.
"By encouraging South Australia to further entrench itself in the nuclear fuel cycle the ALP has made a mockery of its claims to oppose the location of a nuclear waste dump in the north of the state.
"Where does the ALP suggest that the high toxic waste that would be created by an enrichment plant be located?
"The ALP’s decision will open the door for a uranium enrichment plant to be constructed alongside any one of SA’s three uranium mines.
"This rank hypocrisy is the final blow to the ALP’s credentials as an anti-nuclear party. It’s in it up to its neck."
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Sandra Kanck
