Proposed study a diversion ahead of Montreal climate talks
The Australian Greens today called on Prime Minister John Howard to rule out nuclear energy as an option for Australia.
 
Australian Greens energy spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said the proposed $1 million study was a diversion thrown up by the government to hide its failure to develop a robust, serious response to climate change.
 
"Prime Minister John Howard must rule out nuclear energy for Australia," Senator Milne said in Canberra.
 
"Nuclear energy is being promoted by an industry struggling to survive and by uranium miners hungry for more profits at the expense of human and environmental health.
 
"Nuclear energy does not exist anywhere without huge public subsidies and it would be an unwise and wasteful use of public funds to subsidise a nuclear power industry in Australia.
 
"The question of nuclear waste remains unanswered and it is not good enough for Science Minister Brendan Nelson to dismiss the matter as he did yesterday as a problem for future governments.
 
"The best way to address climate change is to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and better public transport. Focusing on energy efficiency will save money, slow the depletion of non-renewable sources and reduce pollution.
 
"On the eve of the next crucial round of international climate talks, the Australian people deserve a thoughtful contribution from the federal government about how it intends to address the planet's most serious environmental threat, not a diversion in the shape of a study into nuclear energy that Australians do not want."
 
Senator Milne departs Australia on Thursday to attend the climate talks in Montreal.

Contact: Katrina Willis 02 6277 3063 or 0437 587 562