Nuclear list earmarked for research, says Govt. 04/06/2006. ABC News Online


The Federal Government says a leaked shortlist of sites for a nuclear research reactor has no connection to the debate about nuclear power in Australia.
Labor is using the document to claim the Prime Minister is keeping potential nuclear reactor sites a secret.
The nine-year-old document includes sites in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, but the Science Minister Julie Bishop says it was a study on locations for a nuclear research station, not a reactor.
"So it was a different debate in a different time frame," she said.
But Labor's Jenny Macklin says the document sets a precedent.
"They kept it secret then, and they're keeping it secret now," she said.
The Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane says he would consider having a nuclear reactor in his Queensland electorate.
"Providing the studies show it's safe and it doesn't affect the environment, then why not?" he said.
"I mean you can't be a nimby in this situation."
But the Queensland Premier Peter Beattie is opposed to the building of such a facility in his state.
Wake up
The West Australian Premier Alan Carpenter has accused the Commonwealth of trying to encroach on the rights of states over nuclear power.
Mr Carpenter says the debate is being used to weaken the resolve of the states.
He says it is possible the Commonwealth will try to impose legislation on the states to force them to accept nuclear facilities.
"The present Commonwealth Government seems to think that it can override the rights and responsibilities of state governments in a whole range of areas, and look what's happening," he said.
"People should wake up.
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister will take to cabinet his plans for an inquiry covering health, safety, and environmental aspects of nuclear power.
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