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

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 27 February 2012:

(1)   In regard to the sale of uranium to India:

  (a) has the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) provided advice to the Government regarding uranium sales to India; if so, what advice and to whom;

  (b) what is the process and timeline proposed for advancing this policy shift; and

  (c) what is the role of ASNO in this process.

(2)   What is the current status of Australia's involvement in the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) initiative.

(3)   Which ASNO officers are involved in the GNEP initiative and what form does this involvement take.

(4)   Has ASNO provided advice to assist in Australia's preparations for the upcoming Non-Proliferation Treaty conference in Vienna; if so, to whom.

(5)   Which ASNO officers will attend the upcoming Non-Proliferation Treaty conference in Vienna.

(6)   Has ASNO had input or provided advice to the Australia-Africa Mining Industry Group proposal to link AusAID funding to Australian resource projects; if so, to whom and when was the advice provided.

(7)   Has ASNO reviewed the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Inquiry into Australia's relationship with the countries of Africa; if so:

  (a) what is ASNO's assessment of this report; and

  (b) to whom has advice been provided regarding the possible future steps to be taken.

(8)   What advice or assessments have ASNO officers provided to the Government or its agencies (detailing which) regarding the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

(9)   Has ASNO been involved in any assessments or responses to papers, reports or processes of the United Nations, or other international organisations, regarding the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

(10)   Has there been any material change in the legal, regulatory or operational framework of the uranium sector in Australia since the Fukushima nuclear disaster. No. 76—28 February 2012 67

(11)   Does ASNO consider the Government's approval of the proposed expansion of Olympic Dam as a 'clear signal' or is BHP Billiton board approval required.

(12)   Can the Minister outline the expected new treaty or amended treaty process with China and the schedule of events required at the intergovernmental level to explore this further, including what model ASNO proposes to use to determine the required accounting arrangements and security measures.

(13)   Which facilities in China have been approved by the Australian Government to process Australian uranium oxide.

(14)   Does ASNO recognise the potential for commercial mining interests in the Olympic Dam project to influence and drive Australia's bilateral uranium sales agreements.