13th May 2009, 3:46 PM – Senate Motion - Radioactive Waste - Management processes

The majority voted against a motion introduced by West Australian Senator Scott Ludlam (Greens), which means it failed.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) recalls the Government’s election promise and policy platform to repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005;

(b) notes:

(i) the statement given by the Minister for Resources and Energy (Mr Ferguson) on ABC Radio, Darwin, on 30 April 2009 which indicated that the Government will keep its election promise, but refused to confirm when this will occur, and

(ii) that the Minister indicated that scientific reports on the assessment of potential sites have almost been completed and that the Government will be making a recommendation on an appropriate site, but has not yet finalised its policy on community consultation; and

(c) calls on the Government to establish a process for identifying suitable sites that is scientific, transparent, accountable, fair and allows access to appeal mechanisms, ensures full community consultation in radioactive waste decision-making processes, and for international best practice scientific processes, including transportation and storage, to underpin Australia’s radioactive waste management.