Saturday, 21 July, 2007

by editorial
Herald Sun

FEW clubs are as high-powered as the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.

The GNEP's members are the world's heaviest-hitting nuclear powers - the US, Russia, China, France - plus Japan.

Its mission is to regulate the world's uranium enrichment and thereby control the spread of nuclear power and weapons.

It is a club with undeniable clout.

With nuclear power on Prime Minister John Howard's agenda, GNEP overtures to Australia to join might seem irresistible.

With a third of the world's low-cost uranium here, it makes some sense.

It is important, though, that we should not be flattered by the invitation into any action now that might compromise continuing debate over our nuclear future.

Nuclear power here, or an enrichment industry, would have huge ramifications.

Mr Howard advocates nuclear power as an effective response to global warning.

He cites price and cost as the key.

Many Australians, however, have greater concerns than potential power price rises.

There are significant attendant risks, not least the problem of storing nuclear waste.

The GNEP wants uranium suppliers to take back spent fuel, but Mr Howard is adamant it won't happen here.

"We're not taking other people's waste," he said, at odds with the GNEP.

In addition, radiation leaks from Japan's biggest plant this week fuel anxiety.

Australia has a huge decision to make, one countless generations will live with.

Before we join the nuclear club, widespread and searching debate is critical.

We should not be rushed into a nuclear future before we are sure it is right.