George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday Senator Nettle asked me a question concerning the production of nuclear medicine at the Lucas Heights Reactor, and I undertook to provide further information to her. The further information is as follows: the premise of the first part of the honourable senator’s question is incorrect. Nuclear medicines have been produced at Lucas Heights over the past 12 months. Nuclear medicines were produced in HIFAR until 30 January and were produced in OPAL until its recent scheduled shutdown for maintenance. ANSTO places the highest priority on ensuring the supply of medical radioisotopes. Radiopharmaceuticals are being imported to meet need. The premise of the second part of the question is also incorrect. There is no evidence to suggest that there are any design flaws within the reactor. OPAL is a cutting-edge research reactor that incorporates many unique features. It is not unusual to identify issues during the commission of a unique facility of this size and complexity. These issues were identified during routine maintenance, and ANSTO will continue to be diligent and thorough in maintaining the OPAL facility.