Ok-l^APSTRALIA^tt-

PRIME MINISTER

FOR MEDIA 1 MAY 1986

I have sent the following letter today to the Honourable   Member for Kooyong.

"Dear Mr Peacock

Further to my answer to your Question without Notice in the   House today on the Chernobyl nuclear accident, I hereby   provide supplementary information on the points you raised.

As I mentioned in my answer,  the Government has been taking   action specifically to address the most immediate concerns   of the health and safety of Australians in the affected   area.  We have been in contact with the appropriate overseas   authorities who have access to the relevant da;ta. We have   also been in touch with the International Atomic Energy   Agency (IAEA).

The Department of Foreign Affairs is co-ordinating   Australia's international response at this stage.  All   relevant technical agencies are being kept fully informed   and are a major source of advice. Australia has a

deservedly high reputation for its active commitment and   contribution to nuclear safeguards,  as well as the safety   and health aspects of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Although there is no multilateral mechanism which requires   the Soviet Union to seek international assistance in the   event of an accident,  the IAEA has radiation emergency   assistance procedures which can be activated at the request   of a member state requiring emergency assistance.

The IAEA, in conjunction with other international   organisations, has also established strict safety standards   for the nuclear industry. The USSR is a member of the   Agency. Adherence to these standards is not mandatory but

it is the normal practice of Western countries,  including   Australia, to use them as benchmarks for regulating their   nuclear industries. The IAEA and other international   organisations have also established international benchmarks

in radiation protection.

Australia over the years has supported efforts by the IAEA  to create an international nuclear safety convention seeking  to avoid and if necessary cope with disasters such as that  at Chernobyl. Regrettably they have not yet received the  necessary widespread international support.

The Government believes that the need for international  arrangements should be examined again, particularly in the  areas of early warning and emergency assistance. It is  considering an initiative for multilateral measures to that  end which would be promoted bilaterally as well.

I should like to thank you again for your constructive. :  . contribution to the national debate on this serious and  disturbing issue.

Yours sincerely

R.J.L. Hawke

The Hon. Andrew Peacock, MP  Member for Kooyong  Parliament House

CANBERRA ACT 2600"

