P R E S S  R E L E A S E THE SENATE

I 3 g

No. 83/136  CANBERRA. 5 August 1983

HIROSHIMA DAY MARKS BETRAYAL OF ANTI NUCLEAR MOVEMENT SAYS DEMOCRATS

Tomorrow's commemoration of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima will

take on added significance due to Labor's betrayal of the antiÂ­

nuclear movement, according to Australian Democrat Senator for

Queensland, Michael Macklin.

He said that the election of the Federal Government was seen by

many as a chance for Australia to finally make a staunch stand

against nuclear proliferation, but this has now been thwarted.

"Many saw Labor's victory as a victory for the anti-nuclear movement.

It was thought that Australia would finally take a strong stand on

uranium mining and export. However, less than one month ago,

Cabinet caved in to the pressure of political expediency and threw

their stated policies out the window. They not only allowed existing

mining to continue, but gave the green light for a new project at

Roxby Downs", Senator Macklin said.

He said Labor's initial policy to ban all mining and export of

Australian uranium was totally abandoned.

"Many Labor representatives have publicly and privately declared

their opposition to Cabinet's decision, but are not strong enough

to stick to their principles.  They are too gutless to cross the

floor and oppose the Government,  which makes a mockery of the  whole situation", Senator Macklin said.

He said Hawke's obsession with staying, in power is allowed to overÂ­

ride party philosophy.

"Hawke's approach is that of political expediency. He is quite

willing to distance his Government from any of Labor's policies

that may prove unpopular with a conservative electorate. It’s

Fraserism all over again", Senator Macklin said.

He said the Australian Democrats were now the only political party

in Australia committed to the cessation of the mining and export of

uranium and the promotion of a nuclear free world. .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Senator Michael Macklin (07) 391Ã¢ÂÂ 8899 or Robin Jacklin (07) 391 8899 or a/hours (07) 48 9864.

