Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 5 July 2012:

(1) Given the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) as the national Commonwealth regulator does not have jurisdiction outside Australia, why was the agency appointed to coordinate the whole-of-government response to the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi site.

(2) From what open sources does ARPANSA draw information in its monitoring and advice for Australians on the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi site.

(3) From what sources within the Japanese Government does ARPANSA draw information for its monitoring and advice for Australians on the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi site.

(4) Since the 2012-13 Budget estimates hearings in May 2012, has ARPANSA sought detailed knowledge of the status and serious risks posed by the spent fuel pool at Reactor 4 at the Fukushima Daiichi site.

(5) Given that the last advice posted on the ARPANSA website is dated 24 February 2012, and given that the situation in Japan has altered in terms of the reopening of nuclear power plants, when will this advice be updated.

(6) Does ARPANSA have sufficient resources to continue to provide ongoing monitoring and advice to the public and the Government on the ongoing situation at the Fukushima Daiichi site.