Nuclear Issues and the New ALP Government
Updated August 2008
Summary - uranium - uranium enrichment - nuclear power - radioactive waste - Lucas Heights - other issues - ALP uranium policy - ministerial responsibilities.
The election of the ALP in November 2007 was a major circuit breaker in Australian nuclear politics, especially in relation to the previus government's promotion of nuclear power and its plan to impose a nuclear dump in the NT. However there is still much to be done: uranium mining will be a huge issue under the ALP government; radioactive waste management will be contentious, all the more so if (as expected) the ALP government allows the continued production of nuclear waste at the Lucas Heights reactor; public pressure will be necessary to get the government to seriously pursue non-proliferation and disarmament initiatives such as the Nuclear Weapons Convention; and a number of other issues are unresolved including Maralinga veterans' issues and the plutonium contamination at Maralinga.
There are a number of key drivers that have converged to push the current strong pro-nuclear moves in Australia, including:
* bipartisan support for the expansion of uranium mining; and the sharp increase in the global uranium price in recent years.
* corporate drivers with the world's largest resource group (BHP Billiton) assuming control of the worlds largest uranium deposit (Roxby Downs). This has legitimised the sector e.g. an alarming number of 'ethical' investment companies continue to promote BHP Billiton even after BHP Billiton's entry into uranium with its acquisition of WMC Resources.
* the international nuclear industry PR push, including linking nuclear power and climate change.
* mainstream media acceptance of much of the industry’s PR push and subsequent positioning on nuclear issues eg. The Australian’s pro-nuclear campaign.
On uranium mining, there is very little difference between the ALP and the Coalition.
Plans are being developed to expand the three existing mines (Ranger, Roxby, Beverley).
Labor governments in Queensland and WA still prohibit uranium mining. The federal ALP government has shown no inclination to force the Qld or WA governments to drop those prohibitions.
Trial uranium mines, especially problematic in SA at the moment. See FoE Adelaide briefing paper:
http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/mining/TrialBrief1107.pdf/view
Debate in 2008 over uranium sales to Russia, including Joint Standing Committee on Treaties inquiry. Currently, the ALP 'default' position is to support uranium sales to any country which has ratified the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which includes Russia.
JSCT inquiry: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/14may2008/index.htm
Status of some mines / potential mines:
* Roxby expansion - EIS expected 2009. The details of the expansion are being worked out now by BHP Billiton and the SA government.
* Beverley expansion - approval process in train - approval expected August 2008.
* Mt Gee (SA, underground) - referred to government re level of assessment required, federal government says requires EIS
* Beverley Four Mile (SA) - approval process ongoing - decisions expected 2008
* Honeymoon - approved, construction expected in 2008
* Ranger - proposed expansion, expect Environmental Impact Assessment in late-2008
* Oban (SA, ISL) - apply for 'retention lease' in 2008 ...?
More detailed info on the status of U mines: Alliance newsletter, April 2008:
http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/alliance
ALP has reaffirmed its policy of opposing U exports to non-NPT states including India. But the government supported the US-India deal in the IAEA Board of Governors nad is likely to do the same at the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Need to encourage ALP to implement its promises to improve safeguards applying to uranium exports. ALP can be expected to take one or two simple measures e.g. increasing contribution to IAEA safeguards budget, but a serious improvement would require some contentious decisions e.g.:
* refusing to allow reprocessing of spent fuel produced from Australian uranium (because this involves separating weapons-usable plutonium)
* refusing uranium sales to nuclear weapons states, countries blocking progress on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, countries with a (recent) history of covert weapons research, etc.
* major reform of IAEA safeguards such that all nuclear facilities (rather than just a small percentage) are actually inspected; major roll-out of 24/7 real-time remote video monitoring, etc.
Need greater understanding of the flawed 'safeguards' system and the risk of diversion of uranium exports (and by-products) for WMD production. Details at:
<www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/mining/UraniumSafeguards.doc/view>
The so-called Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) has a poor track record and needs to be radically reformed or abolished and replaced with a genuine safeguards office. (See briefing paper at <www.energyscience.org.au>.)
Approved uranium sales to China ... need to continue to highlight this as a key example of uranium company profits taking precedence over non-proliferation goals.
Need greater public and media recognition of uranium industry propaganda, e.g. see critique of Uranium Information Centre at: <www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/mining/uic>. Australian Uranium Association playing a similar role <www.aua.org.au>.
Uranium Industry Framework - government/industry/NLC forum actively working to remove impediments to expansion of uranium mining. <www.industry.gov.au/uif>
Federal resources and energy minister Martin Ferguson working tirelessly to promote the nuclear industry. See The Ferguson Files:
http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/martin-ferguson/
Wave of uranium exploration driven by rising uranium prices which is a result of little or no ex-weapons uranium coming on the civil market from Russia. (Rising price is NOT a result of expansion of nuclear power because there is no expansion - stagnant for past 15 years. However, hopes/expectation of growth of nuclear power also likely to be driving uranium stocks higher.)
Uranium enrichment was supported by the Coalition government but is opposed by the new ALP government, and in any case it is unlikely that the market for enriched uranium would sustain a new plant in Australia.
It will (hopefully) be many years before we again face a concerted push to introduce nuclear power in Australia. The nuclear power issue clearly generated some political traction in the November 2007 election - one-quarter of Coalition MPs and candidates distanced themselves from the government's policy of promoting nuclear power.
$12.5 million promised by Howard government for nuclear power research/training (universities/ANSTO/AINSE) has been withdrawn by ALP government. But similar amount was allocated to Uranium Industry Framework to promote uranium mining.
Some universities (e.g. Sydney Uni) still wanting to establish nuclear science research institutes etc. but will struggle for funds and political support. Excellent work by Australian Students Environment Network has helped to stop these university initiatives.
ALP government will not involve Australia in the 'Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia' since that had a strong nuclear power focus. Australia did not sign the communique in mid-December 2007 which signals Australia's withdrawal / non-involvement.
ALP government debating whether or not to continue Australia's participation in the US-led Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP).
Need to make sure that Australia plays no part in the US-led Generation IV International Forum (GIF) which is mainly focussed on nuclear power research. ANSTO wanted/wants to be involved but no formal Australian involvement as yet.
Ziggy Switkowski - Chair of the ANSTO Board - continues promoting nuclear power even though it is opposed by the government and even though it is illegal in Australia thanks to 1999 legislation (EPBC and ARPANS Acts).
Small amount of corporate interest, e.g. Australian Nuclear Energy set up by Hugh Morgan, Robert Champion de Crespigny and Ron Walker. Will ANE disappear with the change of government? What about John White and the Nuclear Fuel Leasing Group?
Australia-Indonesia nuclear co-operation agreement (1997 agreement plus 2006/07 agreement). Plans for nuclear power in Indonesia.
ALP promised a site-selection process involving “extensive community consultation” and “rigorous scientific assessment” as stated in letter from Kim Carr 5/11/07.
But Ferguson seems set on going ahead with Howard government plans for a dump in the NT. Ferguson has not repealed the blatantly racist Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005 and the 2006 amendments which do away with Indigenous rights and heritage protections as well as environmental protections.
Need an independent public inquiry into all aspects of radioactive waste production and management.
Need to get ALP government to rethink its position of automatically supporting remote dump - should consider possibility that the least-worst option is storage at the site of production esp. Lucas Heights which is the main source of radioactive waste (other than uranium mines which manage/mismanage tailings waste on-site).
Spent fuel reprocessing waste to return from France and Scotland, possibly as early as 2011 but maybe later, maybe options to negotiate later date. Another option is to negotiate for France and Scotland to hold this waste for the length of time it was proposed to be ‘temporarily’ stored in a dump in Australia. Where will this waste be returned to in Australia, where should it be returned to? Coalition and Labor both want remote above-ground store for this waste c.f. storing it at Lucas Heights. It is long-lived intermediate-level waste and presumably the new government will hold to the former government's position that this LLILW is destined for a deep geological repository. No progress in relation to a deep geological repository in Australia.
Want ALP to maintain its commitment to the principles espoused by UK Committee on Radioactive Wast Management including two key principles of "voluntarism and partnership between communities and implementers". <www.corwm.org.uk>
Presumably NT legislation banning dump will have effect once again after repeal of that legislation. SA also has legislation banning national dump or store.
Want ALP to abandon Muckaty Station (NT) as a possible dump site given that:
* significant opposition from / division amongst Traditional Owners;
* this area didn't make the short-list when scientific and environmental criteria were used in a site-selection study in the 1990s (see Bureau of Resource Sciences, 1997, Phase 3 Site Selection Study);
* NT legislation banning dump.
Strong statement from NT Chief Minister in August 2008 reaffirming NT government's opposition to having a dump imposed in the NT.
There was significant support within the Coalition government for Australia hosting an international high-level nuclear waste repository, but very little if any support within the ALP government.
Current ALP policy:
ALP National Platform and Constitution
Chapter Five - Fostering Competitive and Innovative Australian Industries
http://www.alp.org.au/platform/chapter_05.php
Nuclear Waste Facilities
Conference notes that for the past decade the Howard Government has tried to impose a controversial radioactive waste dump on various communities around Australia.
A rocket range in South Australia was one proposed site, before the High Court ruled SA out of the equation.
Then the Government tried to move the dump offshore.
Now they're trying to impose it on the Northern Territory, against the wishes of the NT Government and the community.
The Howard Government has ridden roughshod over the rights all Territorians—Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
The current Federal Radioactive Waste Dump plan is profoundly flawed. It is not a measured or responsible approach to the long-term management of Australia's radioactive waste.
It does not enjoy scientific, procedural or community credibility or license.
Labor is committed to a responsible, mature and international best practice approach to radioactive waste management in Australia.
Accordingly, a Federal Labor Government will:
* not proceed with the development of any of the current sites identified by the Howard Government in the Northern Territory, if no contracts have been entered into for those sites.
* repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005.
* establish a process for identifying suitable sites that is scientific, transparent, accountable, fair and allows access to appeal mechanisms.
* identify a suitable site for a radioactive waste dump in accordance with the new process.
* ensure full community consultation in radioactive waste decision-making processes.
* commit to international best practice scientific processes to underpin Australia's radioactive waste management, including transportation and storage.
Reactor closed for the best part of a year then reopened but still problems with leakage of heavy water / light water.
The ALP went to the 2001 election with a policy of opposing the proposed new reactor. But the ALP is now committed to the ongoing operation of the reactor.
The ALP government should close the Lucas Heights reactor permanently and initiate a major R&D program to increase the isotope-production capabilities of accelerators/cyclotrons.
The current ALP policy of allowing ANSTO to operate the new reactor is based on the fact that over $300 million has been sunk into the new reactor. Labor has no option but to justify the ongoing operation of the reactor with reference to questionable claims about the medical and scientific utility of the reactor. On the alleged value of the reactor for medical isotope production:
* ANSTO often claims that closure of Lucas Heights reactors disrupts medical isotope supply but has never provided any evidence to support those claims (and ANSTO has a long track record of deceit).
* John Loy, CEO of the regulator ARPANSA, noted in his report on the reactor operating licence application that he accepted that there is no need for a reactor for medical isotope supply.
The ALP itself has previously rejected claims about reactor/isotopes:
4/11/01 Joint Media Release by:
Martyn Evans (Shadow Minister for Science and Resources)
Jenny Macklin (Shadow Minister for Health)
Nick Bolkus (Shadow Minister for the Environment).
Howard Wrong on Medical Isotopes
Australia will have a secure supply of medical isotopes for cancer treatment, medical research and other applications under Labor’s policy of not building a nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights.
John Howard is living in the past - the Lucas Heights reactor is not significant to Australia’s security and it is not the only source of medical isotopes.
The principle isotope from the Lucas Heights reactor used in medical treatment is Molybdenum. This is in turn used to produce Technetium on site at hospitals. Bulk supplies of Molybdenum can be readily imported and made up into ‘Technetium generators’ in Australia.
Other countries, including the United States and Japan do not produce their own medical Molybdenum. In fact, the great bulk of this material is currently produced in Canada and shipped around the world.
Australia already imports this material on a regular basis when the existing reactor is shut down for up to three months every year for maintenance.
The Senate Inquiry into Lucas Heights examined this issue in detail and was not convinced that logistical difficulties constitute a serious obstacle to the successful importation of radioisotopes.
In addition, other nuclear materials are already produced in Australia using the National Medical Cyclotron. The future direction of nuclear medicine lies with cyclotron produced products and accelerators.
Labor remains unconvinced of the arguments for the need for a new reactor and believes it is completely inappropriate for a reactor in suburban Sydney at Lucas Heights.
(Full media release posted at <www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/ansto/alp>.)
Support MAPW/ICAN work, esp. push for Australia to take a leading international role in the development of a Nuclear Weapons Convention. <www.icanw.org>
Indications that the ALP is backtracking on its previous opposition to the US missile 'defence' program and backtracking on its previus opposition to Australian involvement in missile defence.
Pine Gap / US nuclear alliance / US nuclear umbrella.
Uranium export proliferation risks.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Amendment Act 2003:
Under the guise of improving security for nuclear materials the Howard government introduced changes to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act in November 2003. The revised legislation imposes draconian penalties on citizens, NGOs, whistle-blowers and media wishing to scrutinise or oppose nuclear facilities, uranium mines, radioactive waste dumps and nuclear waste transports.
Maralinga:
* unresolved problems with contamination of the site (in opposition the ALP supported Senate resolutions critical of the Maralinga 'clean-up', e.g. 21/8/02 Senate resolution which "urges the Government to exhume the debris at Maralinga, sort it and use a safer, more long-lasting method of storing this material".
* long-delayed transfer of (contaminated) land to Tjarutja Traditional Owners.
* unresolved issues concerning Maralinga veterans, health-care provision etc.
ALP National Platform and Constitution
Chapter Five - Fostering Competitive and Innovative Australian Industries
http://www.alp.org.au/platform/chapter_05.php
Uranium
Labor recognises that the production of uranium and its use in the nuclear fuel cycle present unique and unprecedented hazards and risks, including:
* threats to human health and the local environment in the mining and milling of uranium, which demand the enforcement of very strict safety procedures;
* the generation of products which are usable as the raw materials for nuclear weapons manufacture, which demands the enforcement of effective controls against diversion; and
* the generation of highly toxic radioactive waste by-products, which demands permanently safe disposal methods not currently available.
Labor, accordingly will only allow the mining and export of uranium under the most stringent conditions, as described below.
In relation to mining and milling, Labor will:
* Ensure the safety of workers in the uranium industry is paramount, and establish a compulsory register for workers in the uranium industry that includes regular health checks and ongoing monitoring. Such a register would be held by an independent agency and be subject to privacy provisions.
* Ensure that Australian uranium mining, milling and rehabilitation is based on world best practice standards, on extensive continuing research on environmental impacts and on the health and safety of employees and affected communities, particularly Indigenous communities;
* ensure, through public accountability mechanisms, that the Australian public is informed about the quality of the environmental performance of uranium mines; and
* foster a constructive relationship between mining companies and Indigenous communities affected by uranium mining.
* prohibit the mining of uranium within national parks under IUCN protected area category 1A, category 1B, and category 2, and listed world heritage areas.
In relation to exports, Labor will allow the export of uranium only to those countries which observe the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), are committed to non-proliferation policies, have ratified international and bilateral nuclear safeguards agreements and maintain strict safeguards and security controls over their nuclear power industries. In addition, Labor will work towards:
* strengthening export control regimes and the rights and authority of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);
* appropriate international responses to violations of existing safeguard commitments;
* limiting the processing of weapon usable material (separation of plutonium and high enriched uranium in civilian programs);
* tightening controls over the export of nuclear material and technology;
* universalising of the IAEA additional protocol making it mandatory for all states and members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group to make adherence to the additional protocol a condition of supply to all their transfers;
* criminalising actions of individuals and companies that assist in nuclear proliferation;
* the development of an international guarantee of nuclear fuel supply to states forgoing sensitive nuclear technologies;
* revising the NPT to prevent countries from withdrawing from the NPT and passing a new resolution in the UN Security Council addressing the penalties for withdrawal from the NPT;
* encouraging all nuclear states to join the NPT;
* reserving the right to withhold supplies of uranium permanently, indefinitely or for a specified period from any country which ceases to observe the non-proliferation safeguards and security conditions which are applied to Australian uranium exports to that country, or which adopts nuclear practices or policies inimical to further advance in the cause of nuclear non-proliferation;
* supporting the maintenance and enhancement of international and Australian safeguards to ensure that uranium mined in Australia, and nuclear products derived from it, is used only for civil purposes by approved instrumentalities in approved countries which are signatories to the NPT and with whom Australia has safeguard arrangements; and
* seeking adequate international resourcing of the IAEA to ensure its effectiveness in undertaking its charter.
Labor will progress these commitments through diplomatic means including the re-establishment of the Canberra Commission to re-invigorate Australia's tradition of middle power, multilateral diplomacy. In doing so, Labor, as a non nuclear armed nation and a good international citizen, can wield considerable influence and credibility in promoting disarmament, the reduction of nuclear stockpiles, and the responsible use of nuclear technology.
In addition, Labor will:
* vigorously oppose the ocean dumping of radioactive waste;
* prohibit the establishment in Australia of nuclear power plants and all other stages of the nuclear fuel cycle;
* fully meet all our obligations as a party to the NPT; and
* remain strongly opposed to the importation and storage of nuclear waste that is sourced from overseas in Australia.
(Later in the same chapter of the policy platform:)
Conference notes:
* The Jabiluka site is an area physically surrounded by the World Heritage-listed area of Kakadu National Park and holds particular cultural importance to the Mirrar traditional owners;
* The domestic and international concern, and opposition, that continues to exist over the issue which has seen development of Jabiluka halted since September 1999;
A Federal Labor Government will continue to support:
* the commitment by ERA's majority owner, Rio Tinto, to maintain its formal agreement with the Mirrar traditional owners, and that no future work at the site be undertaken without the explicit written consent of the Mirrar.
* conference further agrees that a future Labor Government will implement an action plan in order to reflect community and Indigenous concerns.
* Labor will oppose any future proposals for exploration and mining in World Heritage areas.
This conference calls on an incoming Labor Government to develop a national fuel strategy.
EXCERPTS FROM:
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ORDER
http://www.pmc.gov.au/parliamentary/index.cfm
or direct download:
http://www.pmc.gov.au/parliamentary/docs/aao_2007.rtf
PART 4 THE DEPARTMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
(Part of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Portfolio)
Matters dealt with by the Department
Domestic and international climate change policy
Design and implementation of emissions trading
International climate change negotiations
Renewable energy policy, regulation and co-ordination
Greenhouse emissions and energy consumption reporting
Greenhouse mitigation and adaptation
Co-ordination of climate change science activities
Energy efficiency policy and standards
Legislation administered by the Minister
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000
Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Charge) Act 2000
PART 10 THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Matters dealt with by the Department
External Affairs, including -
relations and communications with overseas governments and United Nations agencies
treaties, including trade agreements
international trade and commodity negotiations
international security issues, including disarmament, arms control and nuclear non-proliferation
Legislation administered by the Minister
Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Act 1998
Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987
Nuclear Safeguards (Producers of Uranium Ore Concentrates) Charge Act 1993
South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty Act 1986
PART 11 THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING
Legislation administered by the Minister
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (Licence Charges) Act 1998
PART 15 THE DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Legislation administered by the Minister
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (Transitional Provisions) Act 1987
PART 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES, ENERGY AND TOURISM
Matters dealt with by the Department
Energy policy
Mineral and energy industries, including oil and gas, and electricity
National energy market
Energy-specific international organisations and activities
Administration of export controls on rough diamonds, uranium and thorium
Minerals and energy resources research, science and technology
Radioactive waste management
Renewable energy technology development
Clean fossil fuel energy
Legislation administered by the Minister
Atomic Energy Act 1953
Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005
Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management (Related Amendments) Act 2005
PART 19 THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
(Part of the Defence Portfolio)
Legislation administered by the Minister
Australian Participants in British Nuclear Tests (Treatment) Act 2006
SUMMARY
The election of the ALP in November 2007 was a major circuit breaker in Australian nuclear politics, especially in relation to the previus government's promotion of nuclear power and its plan to impose a nuclear dump in the NT. However there is still much to be done: uranium mining will be a huge issue under the ALP government; radioactive waste management will be contentious, all the more so if (as expected) the ALP government allows the continued production of nuclear waste at the Lucas Heights reactor; public pressure will be necessary to get the government to seriously pursue non-proliferation and disarmament initiatives such as the Nuclear Weapons Convention; and a number of other issues are unresolved including Maralinga veterans' issues and the plutonium contamination at Maralinga.
There are a number of key drivers that have converged to push the current strong pro-nuclear moves in Australia, including:
* bipartisan support for the expansion of uranium mining; and the sharp increase in the global uranium price in recent years.
* corporate drivers with the world's largest resource group (BHP Billiton) assuming control of the worlds largest uranium deposit (Roxby Downs). This has legitimised the sector e.g. an alarming number of 'ethical' investment companies continue to promote BHP Billiton even after BHP Billiton's entry into uranium with its acquisition of WMC Resources.
* the international nuclear industry PR push, including linking nuclear power and climate change.
* mainstream media acceptance of much of the industry’s PR push and subsequent positioning on nuclear issues eg. The Australian’s pro-nuclear campaign.
URANIUM
On uranium mining, there is very little difference between the ALP and the Coalition.
Plans are being developed to expand the three existing mines (Ranger, Roxby, Beverley).
Labor governments in Queensland and WA still prohibit uranium mining. The federal ALP government has shown no inclination to force the Qld or WA governments to drop those prohibitions.
Trial uranium mines, especially problematic in SA at the moment. See FoE Adelaide briefing paper:
http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/mining/TrialBrief1107.pdf/view
Debate in 2008 over uranium sales to Russia, including Joint Standing Committee on Treaties inquiry. Currently, the ALP 'default' position is to support uranium sales to any country which has ratified the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which includes Russia.
JSCT inquiry: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/14may2008/index.htm
Status of some mines / potential mines:
* Roxby expansion - EIS expected 2009. The details of the expansion are being worked out now by BHP Billiton and the SA government.
* Beverley expansion - approval process in train - approval expected August 2008.
* Mt Gee (SA, underground) - referred to government re level of assessment required, federal government says requires EIS
* Beverley Four Mile (SA) - approval process ongoing - decisions expected 2008
* Honeymoon - approved, construction expected in 2008
* Ranger - proposed expansion, expect Environmental Impact Assessment in late-2008
* Oban (SA, ISL) - apply for 'retention lease' in 2008 ...?
More detailed info on the status of U mines: Alliance newsletter, April 2008:
http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/alliance
ALP has reaffirmed its policy of opposing U exports to non-NPT states including India. But the government supported the US-India deal in the IAEA Board of Governors nad is likely to do the same at the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Need to encourage ALP to implement its promises to improve safeguards applying to uranium exports. ALP can be expected to take one or two simple measures e.g. increasing contribution to IAEA safeguards budget, but a serious improvement would require some contentious decisions e.g.:
* refusing to allow reprocessing of spent fuel produced from Australian uranium (because this involves separating weapons-usable plutonium)
* refusing uranium sales to nuclear weapons states, countries blocking progress on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, countries with a (recent) history of covert weapons research, etc.
* major reform of IAEA safeguards such that all nuclear facilities (rather than just a small percentage) are actually inspected; major roll-out of 24/7 real-time remote video monitoring, etc.
Need greater understanding of the flawed 'safeguards' system and the risk of diversion of uranium exports (and by-products) for WMD production. Details at:
<www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/mining/UraniumSafeguards.doc/view>
The so-called Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) has a poor track record and needs to be radically reformed or abolished and replaced with a genuine safeguards office. (See briefing paper at <www.energyscience.org.au>.)
Approved uranium sales to China ... need to continue to highlight this as a key example of uranium company profits taking precedence over non-proliferation goals.
Need greater public and media recognition of uranium industry propaganda, e.g. see critique of Uranium Information Centre at: <www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/mining/uic>. Australian Uranium Association playing a similar role <www.aua.org.au>.
Uranium Industry Framework - government/industry/NLC forum actively working to remove impediments to expansion of uranium mining. <www.industry.gov.au/uif>
Federal resources and energy minister Martin Ferguson working tirelessly to promote the nuclear industry. See The Ferguson Files:
http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/martin-ferguson/
Wave of uranium exploration driven by rising uranium prices which is a result of little or no ex-weapons uranium coming on the civil market from Russia. (Rising price is NOT a result of expansion of nuclear power because there is no expansion - stagnant for past 15 years. However, hopes/expectation of growth of nuclear power also likely to be driving uranium stocks higher.)
URANIUM ENRICHMENT
Uranium enrichment was supported by the Coalition government but is opposed by the new ALP government, and in any case it is unlikely that the market for enriched uranium would sustain a new plant in Australia.
NUCLEAR POWER
It will (hopefully) be many years before we again face a concerted push to introduce nuclear power in Australia. The nuclear power issue clearly generated some political traction in the November 2007 election - one-quarter of Coalition MPs and candidates distanced themselves from the government's policy of promoting nuclear power.
$12.5 million promised by Howard government for nuclear power research/training (universities/ANSTO/AINSE) has been withdrawn by ALP government. But similar amount was allocated to Uranium Industry Framework to promote uranium mining.
Some universities (e.g. Sydney Uni) still wanting to establish nuclear science research institutes etc. but will struggle for funds and political support. Excellent work by Australian Students Environment Network has helped to stop these university initiatives.
ALP government will not involve Australia in the 'Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia' since that had a strong nuclear power focus. Australia did not sign the communique in mid-December 2007 which signals Australia's withdrawal / non-involvement.
ALP government debating whether or not to continue Australia's participation in the US-led Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP).
Need to make sure that Australia plays no part in the US-led Generation IV International Forum (GIF) which is mainly focussed on nuclear power research. ANSTO wanted/wants to be involved but no formal Australian involvement as yet.
Ziggy Switkowski - Chair of the ANSTO Board - continues promoting nuclear power even though it is opposed by the government and even though it is illegal in Australia thanks to 1999 legislation (EPBC and ARPANS Acts).
Small amount of corporate interest, e.g. Australian Nuclear Energy set up by Hugh Morgan, Robert Champion de Crespigny and Ron Walker. Will ANE disappear with the change of government? What about John White and the Nuclear Fuel Leasing Group?
Australia-Indonesia nuclear co-operation agreement (1997 agreement plus 2006/07 agreement). Plans for nuclear power in Indonesia.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE
ALP promised a site-selection process involving “extensive community consultation” and “rigorous scientific assessment” as stated in letter from Kim Carr 5/11/07.
But Ferguson seems set on going ahead with Howard government plans for a dump in the NT. Ferguson has not repealed the blatantly racist Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005 and the 2006 amendments which do away with Indigenous rights and heritage protections as well as environmental protections.
Need an independent public inquiry into all aspects of radioactive waste production and management.
Need to get ALP government to rethink its position of automatically supporting remote dump - should consider possibility that the least-worst option is storage at the site of production esp. Lucas Heights which is the main source of radioactive waste (other than uranium mines which manage/mismanage tailings waste on-site).
Spent fuel reprocessing waste to return from France and Scotland, possibly as early as 2011 but maybe later, maybe options to negotiate later date. Another option is to negotiate for France and Scotland to hold this waste for the length of time it was proposed to be ‘temporarily’ stored in a dump in Australia. Where will this waste be returned to in Australia, where should it be returned to? Coalition and Labor both want remote above-ground store for this waste c.f. storing it at Lucas Heights. It is long-lived intermediate-level waste and presumably the new government will hold to the former government's position that this LLILW is destined for a deep geological repository. No progress in relation to a deep geological repository in Australia.
Want ALP to maintain its commitment to the principles espoused by UK Committee on Radioactive Wast Management including two key principles of "voluntarism and partnership between communities and implementers". <www.corwm.org.uk>
Presumably NT legislation banning dump will have effect once again after repeal of that legislation. SA also has legislation banning national dump or store.
Want ALP to abandon Muckaty Station (NT) as a possible dump site given that:
* significant opposition from / division amongst Traditional Owners;
* this area didn't make the short-list when scientific and environmental criteria were used in a site-selection study in the 1990s (see Bureau of Resource Sciences, 1997, Phase 3 Site Selection Study);
* NT legislation banning dump.
Strong statement from NT Chief Minister in August 2008 reaffirming NT government's opposition to having a dump imposed in the NT.
There was significant support within the Coalition government for Australia hosting an international high-level nuclear waste repository, but very little if any support within the ALP government.
Current ALP policy:
ALP National Platform and Constitution
Chapter Five - Fostering Competitive and Innovative Australian Industries
http://www.alp.org.au/platform/chapter_05.php
Nuclear Waste Facilities
Conference notes that for the past decade the Howard Government has tried to impose a controversial radioactive waste dump on various communities around Australia.
A rocket range in South Australia was one proposed site, before the High Court ruled SA out of the equation.
Then the Government tried to move the dump offshore.
Now they're trying to impose it on the Northern Territory, against the wishes of the NT Government and the community.
The Howard Government has ridden roughshod over the rights all Territorians—Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
The current Federal Radioactive Waste Dump plan is profoundly flawed. It is not a measured or responsible approach to the long-term management of Australia's radioactive waste.
It does not enjoy scientific, procedural or community credibility or license.
Labor is committed to a responsible, mature and international best practice approach to radioactive waste management in Australia.
Accordingly, a Federal Labor Government will:
* not proceed with the development of any of the current sites identified by the Howard Government in the Northern Territory, if no contracts have been entered into for those sites.
* repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005.
* establish a process for identifying suitable sites that is scientific, transparent, accountable, fair and allows access to appeal mechanisms.
* identify a suitable site for a radioactive waste dump in accordance with the new process.
* ensure full community consultation in radioactive waste decision-making processes.
* commit to international best practice scientific processes to underpin Australia's radioactive waste management, including transportation and storage.
LUCAS HEIGHTS
Reactor closed for the best part of a year then reopened but still problems with leakage of heavy water / light water.
The ALP went to the 2001 election with a policy of opposing the proposed new reactor. But the ALP is now committed to the ongoing operation of the reactor.
The ALP government should close the Lucas Heights reactor permanently and initiate a major R&D program to increase the isotope-production capabilities of accelerators/cyclotrons.
The current ALP policy of allowing ANSTO to operate the new reactor is based on the fact that over $300 million has been sunk into the new reactor. Labor has no option but to justify the ongoing operation of the reactor with reference to questionable claims about the medical and scientific utility of the reactor. On the alleged value of the reactor for medical isotope production:
* ANSTO often claims that closure of Lucas Heights reactors disrupts medical isotope supply but has never provided any evidence to support those claims (and ANSTO has a long track record of deceit).
* John Loy, CEO of the regulator ARPANSA, noted in his report on the reactor operating licence application that he accepted that there is no need for a reactor for medical isotope supply.
The ALP itself has previously rejected claims about reactor/isotopes:
4/11/01 Joint Media Release by:
Martyn Evans (Shadow Minister for Science and Resources)
Jenny Macklin (Shadow Minister for Health)
Nick Bolkus (Shadow Minister for the Environment).
Howard Wrong on Medical Isotopes
Australia will have a secure supply of medical isotopes for cancer treatment, medical research and other applications under Labor’s policy of not building a nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights.
John Howard is living in the past - the Lucas Heights reactor is not significant to Australia’s security and it is not the only source of medical isotopes.
The principle isotope from the Lucas Heights reactor used in medical treatment is Molybdenum. This is in turn used to produce Technetium on site at hospitals. Bulk supplies of Molybdenum can be readily imported and made up into ‘Technetium generators’ in Australia.
Other countries, including the United States and Japan do not produce their own medical Molybdenum. In fact, the great bulk of this material is currently produced in Canada and shipped around the world.
Australia already imports this material on a regular basis when the existing reactor is shut down for up to three months every year for maintenance.
The Senate Inquiry into Lucas Heights examined this issue in detail and was not convinced that logistical difficulties constitute a serious obstacle to the successful importation of radioisotopes.
In addition, other nuclear materials are already produced in Australia using the National Medical Cyclotron. The future direction of nuclear medicine lies with cyclotron produced products and accelerators.
Labor remains unconvinced of the arguments for the need for a new reactor and believes it is completely inappropriate for a reactor in suburban Sydney at Lucas Heights.
(Full media release posted at <www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/ansto/alp>.)
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Support MAPW/ICAN work, esp. push for Australia to take a leading international role in the development of a Nuclear Weapons Convention. <www.icanw.org>
Indications that the ALP is backtracking on its previous opposition to the US missile 'defence' program and backtracking on its previus opposition to Australian involvement in missile defence.
Pine Gap / US nuclear alliance / US nuclear umbrella.
Uranium export proliferation risks.
OTHER ISSUES
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Amendment Act 2003:
Under the guise of improving security for nuclear materials the Howard government introduced changes to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act in November 2003. The revised legislation imposes draconian penalties on citizens, NGOs, whistle-blowers and media wishing to scrutinise or oppose nuclear facilities, uranium mines, radioactive waste dumps and nuclear waste transports.
Maralinga:
* unresolved problems with contamination of the site (in opposition the ALP supported Senate resolutions critical of the Maralinga 'clean-up', e.g. 21/8/02 Senate resolution which "urges the Government to exhume the debris at Maralinga, sort it and use a safer, more long-lasting method of storing this material".
* long-delayed transfer of (contaminated) land to Tjarutja Traditional Owners.
* unresolved issues concerning Maralinga veterans, health-care provision etc.
ALP URANIUM POLICY
ALP National Platform and Constitution
Chapter Five - Fostering Competitive and Innovative Australian Industries
http://www.alp.org.au/platform/chapter_05.php
Uranium
Labor recognises that the production of uranium and its use in the nuclear fuel cycle present unique and unprecedented hazards and risks, including:
* threats to human health and the local environment in the mining and milling of uranium, which demand the enforcement of very strict safety procedures;
* the generation of products which are usable as the raw materials for nuclear weapons manufacture, which demands the enforcement of effective controls against diversion; and
* the generation of highly toxic radioactive waste by-products, which demands permanently safe disposal methods not currently available.
Labor, accordingly will only allow the mining and export of uranium under the most stringent conditions, as described below.
In relation to mining and milling, Labor will:
* Ensure the safety of workers in the uranium industry is paramount, and establish a compulsory register for workers in the uranium industry that includes regular health checks and ongoing monitoring. Such a register would be held by an independent agency and be subject to privacy provisions.
* Ensure that Australian uranium mining, milling and rehabilitation is based on world best practice standards, on extensive continuing research on environmental impacts and on the health and safety of employees and affected communities, particularly Indigenous communities;
* ensure, through public accountability mechanisms, that the Australian public is informed about the quality of the environmental performance of uranium mines; and
* foster a constructive relationship between mining companies and Indigenous communities affected by uranium mining.
* prohibit the mining of uranium within national parks under IUCN protected area category 1A, category 1B, and category 2, and listed world heritage areas.
In relation to exports, Labor will allow the export of uranium only to those countries which observe the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), are committed to non-proliferation policies, have ratified international and bilateral nuclear safeguards agreements and maintain strict safeguards and security controls over their nuclear power industries. In addition, Labor will work towards:
* strengthening export control regimes and the rights and authority of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);
* appropriate international responses to violations of existing safeguard commitments;
* limiting the processing of weapon usable material (separation of plutonium and high enriched uranium in civilian programs);
* tightening controls over the export of nuclear material and technology;
* universalising of the IAEA additional protocol making it mandatory for all states and members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group to make adherence to the additional protocol a condition of supply to all their transfers;
* criminalising actions of individuals and companies that assist in nuclear proliferation;
* the development of an international guarantee of nuclear fuel supply to states forgoing sensitive nuclear technologies;
* revising the NPT to prevent countries from withdrawing from the NPT and passing a new resolution in the UN Security Council addressing the penalties for withdrawal from the NPT;
* encouraging all nuclear states to join the NPT;
* reserving the right to withhold supplies of uranium permanently, indefinitely or for a specified period from any country which ceases to observe the non-proliferation safeguards and security conditions which are applied to Australian uranium exports to that country, or which adopts nuclear practices or policies inimical to further advance in the cause of nuclear non-proliferation;
* supporting the maintenance and enhancement of international and Australian safeguards to ensure that uranium mined in Australia, and nuclear products derived from it, is used only for civil purposes by approved instrumentalities in approved countries which are signatories to the NPT and with whom Australia has safeguard arrangements; and
* seeking adequate international resourcing of the IAEA to ensure its effectiveness in undertaking its charter.
Labor will progress these commitments through diplomatic means including the re-establishment of the Canberra Commission to re-invigorate Australia's tradition of middle power, multilateral diplomacy. In doing so, Labor, as a non nuclear armed nation and a good international citizen, can wield considerable influence and credibility in promoting disarmament, the reduction of nuclear stockpiles, and the responsible use of nuclear technology.
In addition, Labor will:
* vigorously oppose the ocean dumping of radioactive waste;
* prohibit the establishment in Australia of nuclear power plants and all other stages of the nuclear fuel cycle;
* fully meet all our obligations as a party to the NPT; and
* remain strongly opposed to the importation and storage of nuclear waste that is sourced from overseas in Australia.
(Later in the same chapter of the policy platform:)
Conference notes:
* The Jabiluka site is an area physically surrounded by the World Heritage-listed area of Kakadu National Park and holds particular cultural importance to the Mirrar traditional owners;
* The domestic and international concern, and opposition, that continues to exist over the issue which has seen development of Jabiluka halted since September 1999;
A Federal Labor Government will continue to support:
* the commitment by ERA's majority owner, Rio Tinto, to maintain its formal agreement with the Mirrar traditional owners, and that no future work at the site be undertaken without the explicit written consent of the Mirrar.
* conference further agrees that a future Labor Government will implement an action plan in order to reflect community and Indigenous concerns.
* Labor will oppose any future proposals for exploration and mining in World Heritage areas.
This conference calls on an incoming Labor Government to develop a national fuel strategy.
MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - NUCLEAR ISSUES
EXCERPTS FROM:
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ORDER
http://www.pmc.gov.au/parliamentary/index.cfm
or direct download:
http://www.pmc.gov.au/parliamentary/docs/aao_2007.rtf
PART 4 THE DEPARTMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
(Part of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Portfolio)
Matters dealt with by the Department
Domestic and international climate change policy
Design and implementation of emissions trading
International climate change negotiations
Renewable energy policy, regulation and co-ordination
Greenhouse emissions and energy consumption reporting
Greenhouse mitigation and adaptation
Co-ordination of climate change science activities
Energy efficiency policy and standards
Legislation administered by the Minister
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000
Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Charge) Act 2000
PART 10 THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Matters dealt with by the Department
External Affairs, including -
relations and communications with overseas governments and United Nations agencies
treaties, including trade agreements
international trade and commodity negotiations
international security issues, including disarmament, arms control and nuclear non-proliferation
Legislation administered by the Minister
Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Act 1998
Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987
Nuclear Safeguards (Producers of Uranium Ore Concentrates) Charge Act 1993
South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty Act 1986
PART 11 THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND AGEING
Legislation administered by the Minister
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (Licence Charges) Act 1998
PART 15 THE DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Legislation administered by the Minister
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Act 1987
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (Transitional Provisions) Act 1987
PART 17 THE DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES, ENERGY AND TOURISM
Matters dealt with by the Department
Energy policy
Mineral and energy industries, including oil and gas, and electricity
National energy market
Energy-specific international organisations and activities
Administration of export controls on rough diamonds, uranium and thorium
Minerals and energy resources research, science and technology
Radioactive waste management
Renewable energy technology development
Clean fossil fuel energy
Legislation administered by the Minister
Atomic Energy Act 1953
Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005
Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management (Related Amendments) Act 2005
PART 19 THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
(Part of the Defence Portfolio)
Legislation administered by the Minister
Australian Participants in British Nuclear Tests (Treatment) Act 2006
