Senate debates Motions

Lead


Sarah Hanson-Young

Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens

12:35 pm

I move:

That the Senate:

(a) notes that lead levels in Port Pirie continue to be dangerously high;

(b) further notes that:

  (i) impacts on children are particularly significant with 21.4% of children currently exceeding blood lead level readings of 10 micrograms per decilitre, and

  (ii) South Australia's Department of Health has indicated that there is no safe level of lead exposure, and exposure should be reduced or prevented to keep blood lead levels as low as possible; and

(c) calls on the Federal Government to develop an action plan to immediately reduce lead levels in Port Pirie.

Anne Ruston

Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific

12:36 pm

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan

Scott Ryan President

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston

Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific

Elevated lead levels in Port Pirie are a matter for the South Australian government. The Australian government has written to the South Australian government, encouraging them to develop an action plan.

Question agreed to.