The Australian Greens have filed a Freedom of Information application for key reports relating to the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Dump, after questioning Minister Kim Carr during Senate question time today.

"The public has a right to know why the Government is stonewalling on its election commitment to repeal waste dump legislation and bring in a process that is 'scientific, transparent, accountable, fair and allows access to appeal mechanisms'," said Australian Greens Nuclear Spokesman, Senator Scott Ludlam.

Senator LUDLAM-To pick up where Senator Minchin left off, I have got a couple of press articles here from the Scottish press-I can give you copies of the links if that is helpful. It was reported on 11 October this year that more than 600 tonnes of foreign obligated nuclear waste is to be kept in Scotland. Firstly, are you aware of the reporting around that and whether that impacts on the schedule for fuel rods to be returned to Australia?

Mr Davoren-It is not fuel rods that are returning to Australia-

Senator LUDLAM-The reprocessing waste.

Senator LUDLAM (Western Australia) (1.15pm)

"This government started its term in office with an apology to Aboriginal people. Martin Ferguson is rehearsing for a repeat performance over his handling of radioactive waste," says Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

Senator Ludlam will today table a letter in the Senate signed by 57 Aboriginal Traditional Owners of the Muckaty Land Trust area in the Northern Territory, imploring Resources Minister Martin Ferguson to meet with them.

Topic: Parsons Brinckerhoff consultants report

Proof Hansard Page: E21

Senator Ludlam asked:

Senator LUDLAM-So let us just step this out. The original Parsons Brinckerhoff consultants report was provided to you; on what date was that provided?

Mr Davoren-I think it was provided in final form towards the end of last year.

Senator LUDLAM-Would you be able to provide us with the date for that?

Mr Davoren-I could.

Senator LUDLAM-On notice, if you would. Are you able to table that PB report for the committee?

Senator ABETZ-Aha! You were watching. Somebody does not have a life. It is very kind of you that you were watching and so will be able to assist. I hope you are highly paid to watch Senate estimates.

The Australian Greens have written to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd demanding that responsibility for radioactive waste management be stripped from Industry Minister Martin Ferguson and returned to the Science portfolio.

"It is clear that Minister Ferguson's management of the radioactive waste issue is at odds with ALP pre-election promises, and his manner of dealing with Departmental officers extremely questionable," said Australian Greens nuclear issues spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam.

Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam has acknowledged the Government's announcement that it intends to repeal the Radioactive Waste Management Act, but warned of its' replacement with something essentially identical.

"Minister Martin Ferguson has indicated that the Government would be choosing a site and then engaging in consultation, just like the Howard Government's approach," said the Greens Spokesperson on Nuclear Issues, Senator Scott Ludlam.

Economics Committee

Senator LUDLAM-I thank the committee for allowing me to drop in. I have a couple of questions that relate to the proposed Commonwealth radioactive waste dump in the Northern Territory and the legislation around it.

Mr Clarke-I will bring the appropriate officers to the table.