Tuesday, 25 July, 2006

ABC News Online

Chief Minister Clare Martin says she has changed her mind and supports the creation of more uranium mines in the Northern Territory.

Before the last election, Ms Martin said she supported federal Labor's policy of no new mines.

Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley wants the existing ban on new mines to be overturned at a national conference in April next year.

He argues it is in the national interest.

Ms Martin says she is never been against uranium mining and will be supporting Mr Beazley's motion at the conference.

"The Territory is somewhere that does have uranium - we don't know what commercial quantities it is and I'm a strong supporter of mining," she said.

"So I've looked at my opinion and [am] happy to come out and say that I will support a change and I will actually actively go to the federal conference and seek that change."