Mr Rudd says Australia should export more uranium because other countries do not have as many energy options. (File photo) (ABC TV)

Rudd asks ALP conference to scrap 'no new mines' policy

energy

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) national conference has started heated debate on whether to allow more uranium mining in Australia.

Labor leader Kevin Rudd has asked the delegates at the conference to scrap the party's "no more mines" policy.

He has dismissed the Prime Minister's call for nuclear power in Australia, saying it is not the answer to climate change.

Mr Rudd's amendment is expected to attract the most opposition of any at the conference, but its backers believe it will pass.

He says Australia can and should use clean coal and renewable energy, but says Australia should export more uranium because other countries do not have as many energy options.

"That is why over a long period of time our country has been exporting uranium to the rest of the world, that is why the amendment before you seeks to recognise that reality," he said.

Union leader and federal Labor candidate Bill Shorten has urged delegates to vote for Mr Rudd's amendment.

"For me, changing this policy is not going to win us the next election, I don't believe that all, what I do believe is that not voting for change will help undermine us at the next election," he said.

"You can have all the labor values in the world, winning is important to changing all of the issues."

But New South Wales delegate Jenny McAllister has urged delegates to reject it.

"In government, we won't be advocating for nuclear power in Australia and for the same reason that we will not advocate for nuclear power here, nor should we advocate for an increse in uranium exports to the rest of the world," she said.

Mr Garrett said earlier he will also argue against the amendment.

"My views about this have been clear from the start and I'll argue my position," he said.

"I believe we're into nuclear as far as we need to be and that discussion will unfold."

A small band of anti-uranium protesters is outside the conference urging delegates not to allow more mines.

The debate on uranium mining at the national conference coincides with the Government's attempt to put nuclear power generation at the top of the political agenda in an election year.

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