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

asked the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, upon notice, on 21 July 2011:

In regard to the attendance of Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) personnel at the Berri Barmera Council meeting held in Berri, South Australia on 19 April 2011:

(1)   Were the representatives from ANSTO invited by the council or did the department offer or request a place on the council meeting agenda.

(2)   Have any other councils in any state or territory been given similar deputations; if so, when and where did these occur.

(3)   Are there plans or has there been discussion regarding similar presentations to be given to other councils; if so, when and where.

(4)   Since the 19 April 2011 meeting in Berri, has there been any further correspondence between ANSTO and the Berri Barmera Council; if so, can a copy of this correspondence be provided.

(5)   Can a copy of the notes or presentations used by the ANSTO representatives to address the Berri Barmera Council be provided.

(6)   Can a copy of the report given to the Minister following the deputation be provided.

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

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1)   ANSTO's attendance was at the request of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.

(2)   ANSTO also participated in a briefing to the Palmerston Council on 5 July 2011. That participation was also at the request of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.

(3)   ANSTO is unaware of any such discussions. This question should be directed to the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.

(4)   No.

(5)   Yes. A copy of the presentation has been provided to the Senate Tabling Office and can be provided on request.

(6)   ANSTO did not prepare a report for the Minister.