Senator Christine Milne

Treaties reveal companies driving uranium export  push to China

Senator Milne, 9th August 2006

The bilateral treaties paving the way for Australian uranium to be exported to China  reveal that mining companies BHP Biliton, ERA and Heathgate Resources, not  concern for climate change, are behind the export drive, the Australian Greens said  today.

Greens energy and climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said the  proposed export of uranium to China was filled with risks.

"The tabling of these treaties in parliament yesterday brings the prospect of Australian  uranium exports to China one step closer,"   Senator Milne said in Canberra.

"Australian uranium may well end up in China's nuclear weapons programme or it  will free up other uranium to be used for that purpose.

The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Dr Mohamed  ElBaradei, has expressed concerns about the safeguard systems, describing them as  'fairly limited' and running on a 'shoe-string budget'. Fuelling regional instability is  not the action of a responsible international citizen.



"If the Australian government were truly concerned about assisting China to meet its  growing energy demands without adding to climate change it would be supporting  renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, not the export of a mineral for

nuclear energy, which is dangerous and expensive.

"Australians troubled by the implications of this proposed export trade need to let the  government know about their concerns. I urge people to contact the Joint Standing  Committee on Treaties which will consider the treaties and report to parliament before  the agreements can take effect.

"The fever surrounding the prospect of making more money from exporting  Australian uranium is misplaced and short-sighted.

"The Australian government, by backing this drive by the uranium mining companies,  is selling Australia short. We need to shift from our dependence on resource  exploitation and develop smart, industries with a low impact on the environment.

"That is the only way to safeguard Australia's economic prosperity while protecting  the environment for generations to come."

Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562

