Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

My question without notice is directed to Senator Coonan in her capacity as Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Is the minister aware of comments by the foreign minister yesterday that by selling Australian uranium to India, which has not signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, we can make the world a safer and more secure place? Can the minister confirm that these comments reflect the government’s position on selling uranium to India? Is the minister aware of overnight media reports from Pakistan, another country that has not signed the NPT, which suggests that by exporting uranium to India Australia will help to fuel a new nuclear arms race between Pakistan and India and lead to further nuclear testing? Can the minister now explain to the Senate how creating a new arms race makes the world a safer and more secure place?