MEDIA RELEASE

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS   ALEXANDER DOWNER

FA28 7 March 2001

LABOR’S HYPOCRISY ON NUCLEAR SHIPMENTS

The Labor Party is guilty of hypocrisy over the current shipment of mixed-oxide (MOX)   through the Tasman Sea.

When Labor was in government in 1993 a shipment of plutonium oxide travelled from Europe   to Japan via the Tasman Sea. Given its form, this shipment would have been of greater   proliferation significance than the current shipment of MOX fuel assemblies. Labor raised no   objections.

Furthermore the Labor Party’s most recent platform document does not make any reference to   nuclear shipments.

Labor’s hysteria on this issue needs to be balanced against the fact that nuclear material has   been transported around the world since the 1960s. According to the International Atomic   Energy Agency, there has never been a transport accident that has resulted in a release of   radioactivity.

International law grants all states the right of freedom of navigation on the high seas or   through Exclusive Economic Zones.

Recent statements by the Labor Party on this issue yet again demonstrates its policy lazy   approach.

Media inquiries: Mutt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890

Media releases and speeches are available from DFAT via the internet. http://www,dfat.gov.aul

