State Government calls on Liberal Party to help fight radioactive waste dump

2/8/03
The Government has called on the State Liberal Party to send a clear message to the Commonwealth that a radioactive waste dump is not wanted in Western Australia.
Environment Minister Judy Edwards today urged the Liberal Party State Conference to tell the Prime Minister - who would be attending the conference - that Western Australians were united in their opposition to a radioactive waste dump.
Dr Edwards said the Government would vigorously fight any plans by Canberra to establish its planned intermediate level radioactive waste facility in WA and urged the State Liberal Party to join the fight.
"WA is a wonderful place to live in and I, like most Western Australians, do not want our State becoming a dumping ground for radioactive waste produced in other States," she said.
"The Government will fight the Commonwealth every step of the way if it tries to build a radioactive waste dump in WA and I would hope the State Liberal Party would join us in this fight.
"This issue is above politics, so I hope the State Liberal Party can put politics aside and help us do what is right for Western Australia."
Dr Edwards said the Government would introduce legislation when Parliament resumed to impede any move by the Commonwealth to locate the new storage facility in WA.
The legislation would amend the Nuclear Waste (Storage) Prohibition Act 1999 to prohibit the storage and transportation in WA of nuclear waste generated in other States.
The Minister said any move by the Commonwealth to override the legislation would require new regulations that could be blocked in the Senate.
"I'm calling on the State Liberal Party and WA Liberal Senators to stand up for their State and join the Government in the fight against this radioactive waste dump," she said.
"One of our greatest assets is our clean and green reputation and by standing together to fight this waste dump we can help to retain our reputation and our unique WA lifestyle."
Minister's office: 9220 5050