David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act is the legislation that makes it illegal to authorise a nuclear power station, fuel enrichment or a fabrication facility or a reprocessing facility. Senator Day's amendment would repeal section 10 of the ARPNS Act and thus make it possible, not necessarily probable, for the regulator to authorise a nuclear power station, fuel enrichment or a fabrication facility or a reprocessing facility. In submissions to the Senate inquiry, both the Australian Nuclear Association and Engineers Australia suggested such an amendment. Senators Nash and McLucas have both said now is not the time for such an amendment. Senator Ludlam suggested there is never a good time for an amendment like this. I would argue that now is as good a time as any to start peeling back the Australia's absurd attitude to a nuclear industry. Senator Day's amendment would make a useful start and I signal my support for it.