Thursday, 6 September, 2007

by Senator Chris Evans
ALP

Senator Chris Evans
 Shadow Minister for National Development, Resources and Energy

Peter Garrett MP
Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Environment

      

The announcement that the Howard Government now has United States backing to join the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) is another clear sign of the Prime Minister's personal crusade for a nuclear-powered Australia.

Membership of the GNEP could force Australia to establish uranium enrichment plants and accept the world's nuclear waste – on top of the 25 nuclear reactors that Mr Howard already wants to build.

Taxpayers are already footing the bill for the Prime Minister's nuclear crusade through Australia's participation in the Generation IV advanced nuclear reactor research program.

Labor's Energy spokesman, Chris Evans said: 'John Howard prefers to push his personal nuclear ambition rather than developing comprehensive solutions to meet our future energy needs and address climate change.

'Labor does not believe that Australia can afford to risk the massive economic and other uncertainties of nuclear power in planning our energy future.'

Labor’s Climate Change and Environment spokesman Peter Garrett said:
‘Labor’s clean energy vision stands in stark contrast to the Howard Government’s nuclear deals and piecemeal approach to climate change.’

A Rudd Labor Government would pursue a sustainable mix of renewable energy, clean coal and gas-fired power to address our climate change problems.

Labor will continue to strongly oppose the Prime Minister's irresponsible plans for a nuclear powered Australia.

The Prime Minister should be focussed on lining up a global climate change solution at APEC, instead of turning Australia into a global radioactive dump.