Senator BROWN —My question is directed to the Minister for the Environment. Why has the Australian government not joined New Zealand, Malaysia and other Pacific nations in objecting to the imminent passage through our regional waters of the nuclear waste carrier Pacific Teale from Britain? Does this indicate that the government supports this shipment—and the hundreds of consequent shipments which are planned—through the South Pacific? Is the minister aware that there is no liability, if this ship has an accident, for a clean-up operation? Will the minister tell the chamber whether or not the Australian government is going to emulate Portugal and South Africa in sending out a warship to track the passage of this ship in the next few days past the southern and eastern Australian coasts to ensure that it does not enter regional waters, economic zone waters or territorial waters as it did in South Africa?

Senator HILL —No, we are not sending out warships to track it. As I understand it, this ship is travelling a long distance from Australian shores.

Senator Brown —Where is it going?

Senator HILL —Isn't it travelling to the east of New Zealand?

Senator Brown —Don't ask me; I'm asking you.

Senator HILL —Well, I am suggesting to you that it is travelling to the east of New Zealand.

Senator Brown —Are you sure?

Senator HILL —If it is travelling that distance away from Australia, why are you expecting us to interfere with its passage?

Senator Brown —It is travelling south of Australia.

Senator HILL —A long way south and then a long way east.

Senator Brown —You don't know.

Senator HILL —I am just telling you; why don't you listen?

The PRESIDENT —Order! Senator Hill, please direct your remarks through the chair.

Senator HILL —I was saying that the answer is, in part, that this ship carrying the material is travelling a long distance from Australian shores. We therefore do not feel, as a nation, threatened by the potential of any accident. We recognise that the transport of these particular materials by this means has had a very safe record. We have no reason to believe that there is any particular danger attached to it. Beyond that, I will see if we have any further information that I can give the honourable senator.

Senator BROWN —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. Is the minister aware that seven ships have foundered on the southern Australian coast or on nearby waters in the last 10 years and that this ship is travelling through those same waters? Would an accident south of Australia or in the Pacific have no consequences for this country? Is he aware that this ship is not covered for liability in the event of an accident? Finally, will the minister be meeting with a high level delegation of Japanese citizens, who I understand are in the gallery, who have come to Australia to protest about the passage of nuclear waste and the exchange of nuclear waste between France and Japan?

Senator HILL —I think they would do better to protest to their own government. I make the point again: this ship is travelling far from Australian shores—nowhere near the shores.

Senator Brown —You are wrong.

Government senators —You are wrong!

Senator HILL —Senator Brown thinks he is always right. In this instance, I think he will find that he is wrong. If it is far from Australian shores, then he need not be concerned in the way that he is.