The Federal Government has admitted it has possession of a secret anthropological report which provides the foundation and sole basis for the nomination of Muckaty Station, near Tennant Creek, as the most likely site for a radioactive waste dump.

Last week Resources Minister Ferguson insisted that neither he nor his office ‘are or had ever been in possession of an anthropological report commissioned by the Northern Land Council' and supplied to then Minister Julie Bishop in 2007.

The Federal Government is trying to silence the Tennant Creek community with its decision not to bring a radioactive waste dump inquiry to Central Australia, the Australian Greens say.

"This is extremely disappointing given that Muckaty Station is the only proposed site for the nations' first ever waste dump," said Senator Scott Ludlam, Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues.

"Locals will be forced to make the long, expensive trek to Darwin or Canberra to be heard, which is completely unacceptable.

The Senate has ordered the Federal Government to finally release documents relating to the secret contract which paved the way for a radioactive waste dump to be built at Muckaty Station near Tennant Creek.

Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam moved the order which was passed in the Senate two weeks ago, giving Minister Martin Ferguson until 4 pm AEST today to produce.

Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam is visiting the proposed site of the Commonwealth Radioactive waste dump this week. Senator Ludlam will travel to Muckaty Station outside Tennant Creek to meet with Traditional Owners from the area, and will then attend a public meeting in Tennant.

Source: Stateline NT
Published: Friday, February 26, 2010 9:35 AEDT
Expires: Thursday, May 27, 2010 9:35 AEDT

Will a nuclear waste facility be built near Tennant Creek?

I understand the proposed amendment to the motion has been circulated to the whips. Its circulation was set in motion a little while ago, but I will inform senators exactly what I am doing. The proposed amendment does not seek to impede the work of the Selection of Bills Committee. It refers specifically to one of the recommendations in respect of the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010, which was presented to the House of Representatives the other day.

The Government has backed down on a bid to give a Senate inquiry only eleven working days to undertake an inquiry on the national radioactive waste dump.

"The Government was attempting to ensure the least possible light is shone on a crucial piece of government legislation," said Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

"After the Greens exposed Minister Ferguson's tactics, Government Senators saw reason and proposed an extension until April 30.

The Australian Greens are demanding a full parliamentary inquiry into federal government plans to override state and territory legislation, Aboriginal heritage and environmental protection laws, and private property rights to build Australia's first ever nuclear waste dump.

"Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has been deceitful in proposing to repeal the previous Howard Government Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act, and then introducing a more coercive one in its place," said Greens nuclear spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam.