Return to previous page

MINCHIN REJECTS ANTI-NUCLEAR CLAIMS

The Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, today rejected claims by the Sutherland Shire Council that medical radioisotopes could be supplied without an Australian reactor. 8 August 2001

8 August 2001            01/364

MINCHIN REJECTS ANTI-NUCLEAR CLAIMS

The Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, Senator Nick Minchin, today rejected claims by the Sutherland Shire Council that medical radioisotopes could be supplied without an Australian reactor.

Lucas Heights-made radioisotopes are currently used by 350,000 patients a year to diagnose and treat serious illness.

“The Sutherland Shire Council have again trotted out some supposed overseas experts in their campaign against the replacement research reactor,” Senator Minchin said.

“These so-called experts apparently make the claim that accelerators such as cyclotrons or spallation sources could be used to produce technetium-99m - the principal medical radioisotope used in 90 percent of cases.  The report admits on several occasions that all technetium-99m is produced in nuclear reactors.  It goes on to suggest that Australia should prove up new technology to produce technetium-99m in accelerators.

“But nowhere in the world is any country commercially producing this radioisotope using accelerators.  A research reactor is the only way this radioisotope is produced around the world.  Recent studies by the OECD, International Atomic Energy Agency and the US Department of Energy have confirmed that reactors are essential for isotope production.

“Australian experts agree.  The Australian Academy of Science has said that there is no evidence to support a view that accelerator-based alternatives could meet Australia’s requirements: either for neutron-based, industrial or research applications or for the production of radiopharmaceuticals.

“Reliance on imports of radioisotopes from overseas is not an option either.

“This has also been confirmed by Australian experts.  Dr Joseph Wong, as the President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine, stated to the Senate inquiry into the reactor that,

“the importation of radiopharmaceuticals cannot be sustained in the long run as this would increase waiting times for diagnosis and therapy, and seriously compromise patient care.  This is particularly pertinent for provincial and rural nuclear medicine practices that are at the end of long supply chains.  There is really no viable alternative to a local research reactor as the source of radiopharmaceuticals for medical use.”

“I accept the vast weight of evidence from Australian and overseas exports that Australia needs its own research reactor - not just to produce radioisotopes but also as a vital research tool.

“How can Kim Beazley’s Knowledge Nation rhetoric be believable when the Labor Party continues to oppose our investment of $300 million in this vital piece of research infrastructure!

Contact:  Jennifer Eddy, Senator Minchin’s office, (02) 6277 7580

CMR421-01

Return to previous page

