Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 6 December 2010:

In regard to the potential sale of Australian uranium to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) states:

(1) Has the department or the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) undertaken any consideration or prepared any advice since 2007 on the potential sale of Australian uranium to states that do not observe the NPT; if so, what has been the cost of that work.

(2) With reference to the potential sale of Australian uranium to India, does the department or ASNO identify any of the following as a potential barrier:

(a) NPT signatory and ratification status;

(b) Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty ratification status;

(c) the claimed right to renew nuclear weapons testing;

(d) the continued production of fissile materials for military programs;

(e) the ongoing nuclear weapons 'arms race' between India and Pakistan;

(f) regional instability; and

(g) the potential for terrorism in India, including terrorist acts committed in India or terrorist acts potentially committed by Indian nationals, and against Indian nuclear facilities, including reactors.

(3) What other, if any, potential barriers does the department and ASNO identify to the potential sale of Australian uranium to India.