Peter Garrett on his stand on Uranium mining in Australia.
2006
Peter Garrett, on 23rd May 2006 stated “I don’t think we should be expanding our uranium mining industry. I’m not supporting any uranium mining of any kind actually. It’s the Liberal government that’s in favour of uranium mining.”
On being asked “So if you were in government, would you rule out uranium mining in Australia? by Ronan Sharkey, the answer from Peter Garrett was: ” I’ve already answered this question in terms of my own views about it. I’m not in favour of us expanding the nuclear industry in Australia ??uranium mining or nuclear power generation or radioactive waste storage. I can’t be any clearer than that.”
2007
Peter Garrett was elected into the new ALP Government, with many of his voters believing they were voting for him and his beliefs. And no doubt hoping to reverse the Liberal governments support of Uranium mining.
2009
Peter Garrett, as the Federal Governments Environment Minister, announces a new Uranium Mining plant in South Australia, insisting that he is not hypocritical, but just upholding the Government’s policies.
My Opinion:
My view on this, is that anyone who voted for Peter Garrett expecting him to represent his previously publicised views, got something they didn’t bargain for… Someone who does as he is told by Kevin Rudd, and not act for the people that voted for him.
Peter Garrett was a member of the Nuclear Disarmament Party in the 1980s.
This is an excerpt from the website: http://www.petergarrett.com.au/178.aspx
23 May 2006
RONAN SHARKEY: Can you tell us your position on uranium mining?
PETER GARRETT: Absolutely. I don’t think we should be expanding our uranium mining industry.
RONAN SHARKEY: But do you do still support uranium mining that’s happening now?
PETER GARRETT: Well, I’ve got news for you here, mate. We’re sitting in opposition. I’m not supporting any uranium mining of any kind actually. It’s the government that’s in favour of uranium mining. This is a policy that’s been in existence for some time.
RONAN SHARKEY: So if you were in government, would you rule out uranium mining in Australia?
PETER GARRETT: I’ve already answered this question in terms of my own views about it. I’m not in favour of us expanding the nuclear industry in Australia ??uranium mining or nuclear power generation or radioactive waste storage. I can’t be any clearer than that.
I suggest full reading of that website: www.petergarrett.com.au/178.aspx
ABC News stories are at: www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/14/2625626.htm
and
www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/15/2626474.htm