Nuclear Waste: 22 Aug 2018: Senate debates (OpenAustralia.org)

There's a cloud of confusion—it's thickest over there on that side—and I don't understand circumstances that are very clear. They're citing confusion in order to request reconsideration of a motion. This I understand—that they are confused. But does this mean that I'll be able to seek leave to move the motion I tried moving the other day, when I was denied formality, and have it considered again? I'll wait till this is resolved, but am I able to do that?

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator O'Sullivan, anything can be done by leave of the Senate, as a general principle, so—

Senator O'Sullivan interjecting—

I can't deal with that while this matter is before the Senate, Senator O'Sullivan. I have to ask: is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal? There being none, I call Senator Hanson-Young to move the motion.

4:56 pm

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move—

That the Senate:

(a) notes that communities in Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Port Pirie are seriously concerned they have no opportunity to participate in the ballot process to determine the extent of broad community support for the proposed nuclear waste dump in Kimba or Hawker;

(b) further notes that, if the site selection process is successful, these communities will see their roads, streets and waters become thoroughfares for low and intermediate level nuclear material for decades to come; and

(c) calls on the Federal Government to broaden the community consultation process to include disenfranchised Barngarla Native Title Holders, and communities living along proposed transportation routes, so that all affected communities have their chance to have their say.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The site selection process has placed communities at its centre from the very beginning and explicitly includes the traditional owners of land in each community, with whom we have talked extensively about all aspects of the project. No group has been excluded. Once a preferred site is found and experts have identified possible transport routes, we will consult with those communities about the movement of waste materials. There are over 2,000 safe and secure movements of nuclear materials from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation each month, through communities all across Australia, and all movement is regulated by our independent national regulator, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, to ensure safety.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Hanson-Young be agreed to.

Senate debates

Wednesday, 22 August 2018

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Motions

Nuclear Waste