THE ACTU has warned the Coalition against proceeding with a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory.

 

The move comes as green groups expressed concern the development of a new business case for the facility could see Australia become a radioactive tip for the rest of the world.

 

Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said yesterday the Coalition supported the establishment of a nuclear waste storage facility in a "geologically stable location in the Northern Territory", enabling low and medium-level nuclear waste, including waste from NSW, to be stored securely.

 

Mr Macfarlane told The Australian no new decisions had been made regarding the Muckaty Station site, which is the subject of a Federal Court case after some indigenous people complained they were not consulted and took legal action. Hearings are scheduled for June.

 

However, as reported by The Australian, the development of a new business case for the facility, expected to be presented in April, has raised the prospect of the dump being constructed and managed under a public-private partnership.

 

ACTU president Ged Kearney yesterday savaged any attempt by the government to advance plans for the waste dump and pushed for a "full and proper review" of radioactive waste management in Australia.

 

She said the plan to establish the dump at Muckaty was a "quick fix" and was opposed by traditional land owners.

 

Greens nuclear spokesman Scott Ludlam said the government should instigate a public commission to address Australia's radioactive waste inventory.