Thursday 6 April 2006
ABC NT Local News

Federal Member for Solomon Dave Tollner says Chief Minister Clare Martin needs to declare whether or not she supports changing the ALP's policy on uranium mining.

The party's policy is that no new mines should be opened but some including South Australian Premier Mike Rann say that is outdated.

Mr Tollner says the Northern Territory is set to benefit from a uranium deal signed between China and Australia.

He says despite uranium mining falling under the Federal Government's jurisdiction, it is vitally important that Territorians and the mining industry know exactly where Ms Martin stands on this issue.

"At this point in time nobody knows exactly where the Territory Government sits and it's interesting to note that back in August 1994, Syd Stirling, the current Treasurer, supported a motion to scrap the ALP's three mine policy," he said.

On Tuesday Ms Martin says that as a Labor Party member she supports the status quo.

"What I have to say very clearly is my position that I support the Labor Party's no new mines policy," she said.

"That I am aware of the current discussion that it will be up for debate, I can't say for certain, at the next Labor Party federal conference and certainly I hope I'll be part of that debate."