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Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Page: 3012

Nuclear Fuel Australia

(Question No. 566)

Senator Ludlam asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice , on 4 April 2011:

With reference to Australia's involvement in nuclear activities and its nuclear ambition, and the indication by Dr Clarence Hardy, of Nuclear Fuel Australia, that in 2008 his company submitted a 'report on a pre-feasibility study' to set up an enrichment nuclear industry in Australia:

(1) What is the Government's response to this proposal?

(2) How many other proposals have been received by the Government to establish a nuclear power industry, nuclear fuel leasing, or international nuclear waste dumps in Australia.

(3) Can details be provided regarding any discussions the Government is engaged in, any meetings taking place or any proposals that have been received regarding the nuclear industry in Australia.

(4) Can an outline be provided of the recent meeting between the Minister and the United States Secretary of Energy, Dr Steven Chu, in Washington in early February 2011?

(5) On what information did the Minister base recent comments made following the meeting with Secretary Chu that the nuclear technology was proven, available and evolving constantly and would get cheaper?

Senator Sherry: The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honorable senator ' s question:

With reference to Australia's involvement in nuclear activities and its nuclear ambition, and the indication by Dr Clarence Hardy, of Nuclear Fuel Australia, that in 2008 his company submitted a 'report on a pre-feasibility study' to set up an enrichment nuclear industry in Australia:

(1) The Government's response to Dr Clarence Hardy's proposal in September 2008 outlined the Government's consistent position that it is not considering a nuclear power industry in Australia, including all stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, including enrichment, other than uranium mining and milling. The response stated "the Government does not support your proposal as it is inconsistent with Australian Government policy."

(2) From time to time the Government receives correspondence on matters related to the nuclear fuel cycle. However, the Government's continuing policy is that nuclear power will not be part of Australia's energy portfolio, and does not support the development of a nuclear power industry in Australia, including fuel leasing. In regard to international nuclear waste storage facilities, it has been the policy of successive Australian governments that Australia will not accept the radioactive wastes of other countries. .This policy is given effect through the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations.

(3) From time to time the Government receives correspondence and/or representations on matters related to the nuclear fuel cycle. The Government's continuing policy is that nuclear power will not be part of Australia's energy portfolio, and does not support the development of a nuclear industry in Australia.

(4) The content of discussions between the Minister and Secretary Chu remains between the parties.

(5) Numerous reports from respected energy agencies such as those produced by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the OECD International Energy Agency, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the World Nuclear Association indicate "a new generation of nuclear power plant designs with advanced fuel cycles, now under development, could offer important advances in economics, sustainability, proliferation resistance, safety and reliability."—Technology Roadmap—Nuclear Energy, OECD/IEA and OECD/NEA, 2010 (pg 3—Key findings)