Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | Hansard source

I'll start by thanking senators for their contributions and for their support of the Atomic Energy Amendment (Mine Rehabilitation and Closure) Bill 2022, which contains important amendments to the Atomic Energy Act 1953. These amendments put in place a number of measures important for securing the rehabilitation and eventual closure of the Ranger Uranium Mine in the Northern Territory. This is a goal shared by government, the mine's operator and the traditional owners. Amendments will ensure Energy Resources Australia, ERA, Ranger's longstanding operator, remains authorised to conduct approved rehabilitation and monitoring activities at Ranger for as long as it is needed and for ERA to demonstrate it has achieved the high standards of environmental rehabilitation that have long applied to the site. I'm glad that the bill enjoys bipartisan support and was recommended by the Economics Legislation Committee to pass. I know all those in the chamber recognise Ranger rehabilitation as a priority and look forward to Ranger becoming a world-class example of mine rehabilitation.

In concluding, I wish to thank the ERA, the Northern Land Council and the Mirarr people for their close engagement on this bill. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.