Beattie sceptical of uranium policy change
Tuesday, 25 July, 2006
ABC News Online
Federal Labor leader Kim Beazley has announced that the party's three mines policy will be open for debate at its national conference next year.
Mr Beazley is in favour of allowing more uranium mining, but remains opposed to uranium enrichment and nuclear power.
Mr Beattie says there are genuine concerns about waste disposal.
"I think the nuclear industry's got a major problem in overcoming those things in public debate," he said.
"I understand that we are talking about export and export only but nevertheless those issues about waste nuclear proliferation all those need to be dealt with.
"Nuclear proliferation can be dealt with by virtue of a treaty but there are major issues in relation to waste which I don't believe have been resolved for the nuclear industry."
Mr Beattie says he would want to ensure the future of Queensland's coal industry if more uranium mines were allowed.
"I am concerned to make certain that the future of the Queensland coal industry is guaranteed because we have 300 years' supply of coal," he said.
"That's why we're cleaning up the coal industry by developing clean coal technology."