Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Ludlam, the circumstances around the establishment of the uranium mines in 1963 were very different in terms of the science, our understanding, certainly environmental protection measures and of course the presence of the EPBC Act here in Australia, to which these mines relate. We would expect to do much better than the framework that was put in place in 1963, and of course we are. Continuous best practice improves as our knowledge and experience develops around the world. and we will continue to adapt procedures in the future. You have asked me what is almost a hypothetical question; I cannot speak for future governments but this government is determined to have world’s best practice as part of any consideration of a framework for expanded uranium mining.