Mr ADAMSON - 1995-06-20
What is this government's position on the resumption of French nuclear tests in the South Pacific?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, my government is deeply concerned at the resumption of thermonuclear testing in the South Pacific. It should be a matter of great concern not only to governments, but to all Territorians and all Australians. We are very much at the front door of the Asia/Pacific region, and we have every reason for concern. I have written to the Prime Minister in these terms:
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My Dear Prime Minister,
I am sure you agree that the decision of the French government, announced by President Chirac last week, to resume thermonuclear testing in the South Pacific
is a matter for grave concern. Although I am aware of the advice of an Australian radiation laboratory scientist, confirmed by my own advisers, that it is highly
unlikely that radioactivity can enter the food chain around the test sites, it is still a matter for which there is a great deal of public apprehension.
Chief among concerns of all Australians, and in particular Territorians, is that Northern Territory uranium should be adequately safeguarded from being used in
any way other than for the production of electricity. The fact that Energy Resources of Australia has contracts with Electricit deFrance would seem to indicate that
this is so. Notwithstanding the existence of the Australian Safeguards Office, responsible to the foreign minister Senator Gareth Evans, I would like your assurance
there is no chance of any uranium emanating from the Alligator Rivers region being used in the production of weapons-grade material.
I foreshadow that, during the course of these sittings, I will be moving a motion condemning the resumption of these tests. I would welcome the bipartisan support of the opposition for that motion.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, my government is deeply concerned at the resumption of thermonuclear testing in the South Pacific. It should be a matter of great concern not only to governments, but to all Territorians and all Australians. We are very much at the front door of the Asia/Pacific region, and we have every reason for concern. I have written to the Prime Minister in these terms:
Page 637
My Dear Prime Minister,
I am sure you agree that the decision of the French government, announced by President Chirac last week, to resume thermonuclear testing in the South Pacific
is a matter for grave concern. Although I am aware of the advice of an Australian radiation laboratory scientist, confirmed by my own advisers, that it is highly
unlikely that radioactivity can enter the food chain around the test sites, it is still a matter for which there is a great deal of public apprehension.
Chief among concerns of all Australians, and in particular Territorians, is that Northern Territory uranium should be adequately safeguarded from being used in
any way other than for the production of electricity. The fact that Energy Resources of Australia has contracts with Electricit deFrance would seem to indicate that
this is so. Notwithstanding the existence of the Australian Safeguards Office, responsible to the foreign minister Senator Gareth Evans, I would like your assurance
there is no chance of any uranium emanating from the Alligator Rivers region being used in the production of weapons-grade material.
I foreshadow that, during the course of these sittings, I will be moving a motion condemning the resumption of these tests. I would welcome the bipartisan support of the opposition for that motion.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016