Kerry Nettle (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Brandis, the Minister representing the Minister for Education, Science and Training. Can the minister outline to the Senate how many Australians have missed out on getting the medical tests or care that they need because no nuclear medicine has been produced at Lucas Heights for the last 12 months?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do not have a brief on that matter. I will make inquiries and respond.

Kerry Nettle (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Does the minister stand by ANSTO’s claim that the reactor will be operating again in eight weeks? Is it not more likely that it will remain shut down for six to 12 months? Does the government still stand by the Prime Minister’s description of the new reactor as a ‘triumph’ when major design flaws have forced it to shut down after just three months of operation? Doesn’t this highlight the dangers and flaws in the government’s proposal for 25 nuclear reactors in Australia? Why doesn’t the government use the opportunity of the emergency shutdown of the nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights to scrap its multibillion-dollar white elephant?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will respond in detail to the earlier part of Senator Nettle’s question, but I observe to Senator Nettle that, when the government is considering future energy options for Australia, it will be governed by science, not dogma or blind faith, and all relevant scientific options will be considered in a methodical, rational manner, unlike the approach of either Senator Nettle’s party or the opposition.