Love that U-turn pun

Evans' uranium opposition U-turn


One of the key members of federal Labor's left faction has dropped his opposition to uranium mining.
The party is set to debate the issue at next month's national conference.
Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd is pushing for the 'no new mines' policy to be scrapped.
Labor's Senate Leader Chris Evans has joined the push.
"I think the mood now is that we need to move on it," he said.
"I don't think it's got anything to do with the Howard Government, this is about updating Labor's policy and in part being ready for government.
"This policy hasn't worked and it won't work so we need to abandon it."
Meanwhile Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says he will support uranium mining in Queensland.
A spokesman for the Premier has confirmed Mr Beattie has backed away from his strong opposition to uranium mining after a government commissioned report showed it would not threaten Queensland's coal industry.
Mr Beattie says he will support uranium mining at the Labor conference on the condition that it is only sold to countries that have signed the non-proliferation treaty.
Mr Beattie is currently on a trade mission in Africa.
The policy shift by Mr Beattie leaves Western Australia isolated in its opposition to uranium mining.
Western Australian Premier Alan Carpenter has been opposed to uranium mining in the state despite increasing pressure over the past year to review his no-uranium policy.
Mr Carpenter has previously said there will need to be a change of government before uranium mining can proceed in Western Australia.
He has said that the ALP has won two elections with an anti-uranium stance and will go to the next election in 2009 with the same policy.
AWU pleased
The Australian Workers Union is pleased with Mr Beattie's turnaround.
The AWU's state secretary, Bill Ludwig, says uranium mining would greatly benefit Queensland's economy.
"Up in the north-west province around Mt Isa there's probably 400 jobs, something like $500,000 in royalties to the Queensland treasury coffers," he said.
"There are some great opportunities for Queensland."
Print Email