Thursday, 27 September, 2007

by Trish Crossin
ALP

Minister Julie Bishop's formal acceptance of the Muckaty dump site nomination today is just another reminder of the lies the Coalition government told to Territorians before the 2004 election Senator Trish Crossin said.

"The radioactive dump that Territorians were told would not be placed in the NT has now come a step closer to being in the heart of the Territory.

Senator Campbell the then Federal Environment Minister three years ago said:

“… what we have said quite clearly and unequivocally many months ago is that the Commonwealth is not pursuing any options anywhere on the mainland” (PM – ABC Radio, 30/09/04)

“Northern Territorians can take that as an absolute categorical assurance.” (PM – ABC Radio, 30/09/04)

"The nominated site is on Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory, 120 kilometres north of Tennant Creek, not the middle of nowhere as former Science Minister Brendan Nelson described the Territory" Senator Crossin said.

"The wishes of Territorians and the NT Government have been over ridden and treated with contempt by the Federal government.

"Labor is committed to repealing the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act if it wins government.

"It is bad law and bad policy.

"The acceptance of the Muckaty site will put it in contention, once environmental assessments are completed, with the Federal Government's three nominated defence sites in the Territory to be chosen as the preferred national radioactive dump for the commonwealth's low and intermediate level waste.

"A Rudd Labor government is committed to a site selection process which looks to agreed scientific grounds for determining suitability, along with community consultation and support" Senator Crossin said.