10th May 2017, 5:25 PM – Senate Motions - Immigration Detention on Nauru - Test for cadmium

The majority voted in favour a motion to investigate cadmium levels in the Republic of Nauru, the health risks of exposure and to test refugees and asylum seekers for elevated cadmium levels.

Although these motions represent the will of the Senate, they do not have any legal force, so the Government doesn't have to do what they say. However, they can be a good source of encouragement.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the Nauruan environment was damaged by extensive phosphate mining throughout the twentieth century creating cadmium residue,

(ii) the World Health Organisation classifies cadmium as a human carcinogen, which has toxic effects on the kidneys, skeletal and respiratory system, and

(iii) the levels of cadmium remain unknown and refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru are yet to be tested for elevated levels of cadmium in their bodies; and

(b) calls on the Government to investigate the presence of cadmium in the Republic of Nauru and the health risks associated with prolonged cadmium and phosphate exposure, and test refugees and people seeking asylum for elevated cadmium levels.