Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have further information in response to a question asked by Senator Ludlam earlier this week. I seek to have that answer incorporated in Hansard.

The answer read as follows—

Senator Ludlam asked the Minister Representing the Minister for Resources and Energy:

The final report from the consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff was submitted to the department on 18 March 2009, along with CH2M Hill’s peer review and Parsons Brinkerhoffs response to that peer review, assessing and characterising proposed sites for a nuclear waste dump. Will the government table these and related documents now? Does the government stand by Minister Ferguson’s comments that the government will choose a site and consult later?

Senator Carr:  The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following response to the Senator’s question:

The future of the Commonwealth radioactive waste management facility project, selection of a site for a facility and repeal and/or replacement of the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005 are policy matters under consideration by the Government. The Government does not intend to release the final report from Parsons Brinckerhoff, CH2M Hill’s peer review or Parsons Brinkerhoffs response to that peer review, as these are part of this consideration but they will be released when a decision is made on these matters. Minister Ferguson has consistently said that no decision on a radioactive waste facility will be made without proper consultation with State and Territory governments and relevant indigenous and local communities.