Inquiry member says nuclear power clean and safe. 08/06/2006. ABC News Online


An environmental scientist appointed to the Federal Government's nuclear task force has defended the safety record of nuclear power and says that, along with uranium enrichment, it can be achieved safely.
Dr Arthur Johnston, former supervising scientist with Environment Australia, has spent much of his time examining the impact of uranium mining on the Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park.
He says from an environmental perspective, nuclear power has much to offer.
"There is no reason at all why in principle you couldn't have continued protection of the environment under the circumstances of enrichment," he said.
Dr Johnston says, Chernobyl aside, the risks have been exaggerated.
"There has been one incident in the entire period of nuclear power. One could say its record is very good," he said.
He says he has an open mind on the issue.
The head of the Federal Government's nuclear task force has stood down from the board of the nuclear science agency, ANSTO, to avoid a conflict of interest.
Yesterday afternoon, Dr Switkowski was defending his role on the board of ANSTO, the organisation which runs Australia's only reactor.
Just hours later, he revealed to ABC TV's Lateline program, that he has made moves to sever his ties to the nuclear industry.
Dr Switkowski says he has stood down from the board to prevent claims of bias.
"So I won't be party to any submissions that ANSTO makes to the committee over the next six months," he said.
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