Media Release
6 August 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
We are not meeting our nuclear responsibilities
A national conference of medical practitioners, community organisations and
nuclear specialists today concluded that Australia was not meeting its
nuclear responsibilities. A wide range of nuclear issues as they affect
Australia were considered during the Medical Association for Prevention of
War three day national conference "Our Nuclear Responsibilities - looking
backwards . looking forwards".
Overseas and Australian experts provided evidence that the problems of over
fifty years of nuclear activities in Australia have not been resolved. For
instance we have many tonnes of tailings from old now closed uranium mines
that are still posing difficult rehabilitation issues. Yet these tailings
are of relatively small magnitude to those being generated at current mine
sites.
It was also argued at the conference that it was irresponsible to build a
new nuclear reactor when there is no solution to the global waste problem.
The meeting also heard of the uncertainties regarding the Maralinga clean-up
and that inadequate information is being provided to the public on this
issue. A public inquiry is warranted to independently assess the competing
claims about the adequacy of the 'clean-up' done to date.
The conference also expressed concern that Australia's current radiation
standards are outdated and need to be revised. There is a clear need for a
evaluation of radiation exposures and the adequacy of existing standards.
The measures being adopted by Australia, and its ally the United States, in
regard to nuclear disarmament do not match the commitment for nuclear
disarmament. The conference said that the international community expects a
nuclear weapons free world - so there is no need for National Missile
Defense System as proposed by the United States. Such a proposal is
destabilizing, provocative, unnecessary, wasteful, and counter-productive as
it is likely to stimulate a renewed arms race.
The Medical Association for the Prevention of War is now calling for more
information, openness, transparency and consultation on nuclear activities
in Australia.
Contact:
Clare Henderson 0419 266 110 or (02) 6262 9345
________________________________
NO NUKES!
Clare Henderson
Executive Officer
Medical Association for Prevention of War
PO Box 197
O'Connor ACT 2602 AUSTRALIA
Ph: (02) 6262 9345
Fax: (02) 6262 9346
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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