Senate debates

Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Documents

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation; Order for the Production of Documents

3:46 pm

Photo of David ShoebridgeDavid Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Industry and Science, by no later than 9 am on 23 March 2023, any documents reviewed by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) working group prepared by the submarine taskforce, including:

(a) review of safeguards requirements for a nuclear-powered submarine program;

(b) characterisation, classification and acceptance of risks in a nuclear environment;

(c) a review of computational codes and models that ANSTO uses for safe and effective operation of Open Pool Australian Lightwater and other nuclear facilities;

(d) review of options for management of operational wastes arising from a nuclear-powered submarine program;

(e) advice on approaches to safety; and

(f) any minutes of meetings or visits held between members of the ANSTO working group and the submarine taskforce.

Photo of Anthony ChisholmAnthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Photo of Anthony ChisholmAnthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | | Hansard source

The government will be opposing this motion. Disclosure of material of the nature requested by Senator Shoebridge would be contrary to Australia's national interests, including because it may be prejudicial to the security or defence of the Commonwealth, and could prejudice international relations as well.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Shoebridge be agreed to.