Northern Territory groups are outraged by comments made by Senator Ian Campbell, Minister for the Environment, that imply the Government will impose a nuclear waste dump on the NT regardless of the outcomes of scientific assessment and community consultation processes.

Senator Campbell stated on Lateline, March 29th, 2006 that “We're building a low-level nuclear waste facility in the Northern Territory”, when in fact site assessments and the “diligent, scientifically robust process” he mentioned, to determine suitability for the proposed low and intermediate level dump, have not even begun. (1)

“It is outrageous that Senator Campbell can so brazenly state a low-level waste dump will be built in the Territory, instead of discussing the need for a thorough consultative community process about the proposed low and intermediate level facility”, said Justin Tutty from the Darwin No-Waste Alliance.

“First the Commonwealth passed laws to override Territory legislation opposing the dump, to fulfil their own waste disposal needs out of sight, and hopefully out of mind. Now, the Minister for Environment is saying the waste dump will be built in NT regardless of site suitability. It is inappropriate for him to already be giving this project the green light when it is his job to scrutinise the site assessment reports and then make an informed, impartial decision”, Nat Wasley, Arid Lands Environment Centre Nuclear Campaigner (Alice Springs) added.

“It is misleading for Senator Campbell to be saying the NT facility would help “get the low-level waste out of hospital drawers and filing cabinets” (1) .Each state and territory has responsibility for dealing with their own waste- the NT dump would only be for Commonwealth waste. If the current regulation of Commonwealth radioactive waste is to allow it to be stored in drawers and filing cabinets, can we be confident of responsible, secure management when it is dumped in a hole or a shed in the desert?” , stated Vina Hornsby, from Katherine No Dump Action Group.

References:

(1) All quotes from Lateline transcript, March 29th, 2006