MEDIA RELEASE  KIM WILKIE MP  FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SWAN

Report ticks Australian uranium treaties with  China  6 December 2006

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties report on Australian-Chinese uranium and  nuclear cooperation treaties supports the ratification of these treaties but recommends that  safeguard measures be strengthened.



“With the economic benefits which uranium sales to China will deliver for Australia, it is  the Government’s duty to take a lead role in efforts to strengthen nuclear safeguards”,  said Mr Wilkie.



Mr Wilkie was especially concerned with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s lack  of funding for its safeguards department

“It is imperative that the international agency charged with ensuring the legitimate use of  nuclear fuels and technology be adequately funded to perform its duties. The IAEA’s lack  of funding places significant constraints on its activities. This is an issue on which  Australia cannot afford to be complacent”.



Recommending that the Government lobby for an immediate international review of the  IAEA safeguards department levels of funding and that Australia set an example through  increased voluntary contributions, Mr Wilkie is confident that this problem can be  redressed.

“In addition to increasing the IAEA’s funding we also recommended an increase in  funding allocated to the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office’s  “Safeguards Support and International Outreach” programs to enable Australian experts  to increase their efforts to further strengthen nuclear safeguards.

Noting the concern expressed by a number of witnesses during the inquiry regarding the  starting point of IAEA safeguards, the committee also recommended that all conversion  facilities be brought under international supervision.



Mr Wilkie said that through these concerted efforts uranium producing nations such as  Australia can remain confident that the commodities exported from their shores only  serve their intended peaceful purposes.





For further information contact Kim Wilkie:   0407 513 245.

