Dump Turnbull, before he dumps nuclear waste

Monday, 19 November, 2007

Friends of the Earth, Sydney

Today, Liberal leaders cannot dodge the N-word as they are confronted on the controversial Federal Government plan for a radioactive waste dump in the Northern Territory.  Actions are taking place in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Darwin, Alice Springs, Perth and Melbourne.

Wenny Theresia of the Australian Student Environment Network says, "before the last election, the Coalition gave an "absolute categorical assurance" the Northern Territory would not be targeted for a radioactive dump.  Unlike radioactive waste, that promise didn't last long – four sites are now being assessed to impose a nuclear waste dump on the NT. Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull may soon be responsible for the final stages of pushing this toxic dump on NT communities."

Holly Creenaune of Friends of the Earth Sydney says "throughout his desperate campaign to retain the seat of Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull has avoided the unpopular N-word.  This electorate knows the Liberal's plan for 25 nuclear reactors along the Australian coastline are 25 dirty distractions from real action on climate change."

"Given Turnbull's foolish decision to allow the Tasmanian pulp mill, it would be more dangerous to trust him on nuclear waste. Wentworth voters will not radioactive waste our votes: we will dump Turnbull, before he dumps nuclear waste."