Senate debates

Thursday, 16 June 2011

Questions on Notice

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (Question No. 652)

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

asked the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, upon notice, on 5 May 2011:

With reference to the independent review of the current state of health and safety arrangements at ANSTO Health

(1) Who is leading and serving on the independent panel?

(2) With whom has the panel conducted interviews?

(3) At what locations has the panel conducted inspections?

(4) Will the report, due 31 May 2011, be made public?

Photo of Kim CarrKim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) On 23 February 2011, I issued a media release announcing the composition of the panel. The panel is chaired by Mr Mark Paterson AO, Secretary of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. The members of the panel are Mr Grahame Cook, Dr Jim Peacock and Mr Tim Ayres.

(2) The panel met with representatives from the ANSTO Board, employees from ANSTO and ANSTO Health, and representatives from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

(3) The panel undertook a site visit to ANSTO at Lucas Heights on 11-12 April 2011. As part of this site visit, the panel undertook a tour of Building 23A where the radiopharmaceutical production facility is located.

(4) The Terms of Reference require the panel to provide me with a final report by 31 May 2011. I intend to table the report in Parliament.